Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has delivered a stark warning to Arsenal's summer signing Eberechi Eze, suggesting the £68 million forward could struggle to reclaim a regular starting role at the Emirates Stadium.
Eze's Form Dip Sparks Concern
The England international, who joined from Crystal Palace last summer, initially looked a revelation. His peak came just a month ago with a stunning north London derby hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur, seemingly cementing his status under Mikel Arteta.
However, since that emphatic victory, the 27-year-old's influence has waned noticeably. Eze has been substituted on or off in his last five appearances and was an unused substitute in two of Arsenal's previous three matches. His performance in the early-December defeat to Aston Villa drew particular criticism.
With fierce competition from established stars like Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and captain Martin Odegaard, Merson believes Eze's place is now under serious threat.
Rogers Seizes the Initiative for Club and Country
Merson directly contrasted Eze's situation with the soaring fortunes of Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers. The Villa star is currently one of the Premier League's most in-form attackers, having scored back-to-back braces to help his club win ten consecutive games and climb to third, just three points behind Arsenal.
Speaking on Sky Sports after Villa's 2-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday, December 21, Merson was unequivocal. "As we talk today Morgan Rogers has got the shirt. It's his shirt today," he stated.
He elaborated on the contrasting predicaments: "You look at Eze, he might not get back in the Arsenal team for a while, he might be in and out. Whereas Rogers will be first-choice at Villa, even when it's not going too well for him he will still play. I think he starts for England at the World Cup."
World Cup Implications for England's Number Ten
The debate has significant ramifications for the England national team ahead of next summer's World Cup, with both players vying for the coveted number ten role. Former Aston Villa defender Ashley Young, also speaking on Sky, acknowledged Rogers' current advantage but cautioned that "a lot can happen" before the tournament.
Rogers himself, brimming with confidence, credited his team's collective form after the win over Manchester United. "I'm really confident and enjoying my football but it's not just me, it's the whole team," he said. "The team's performances give me that belief and confidence and allow me to be me."
When asked about the battle for an England spot, the Villa man remained focused on his process: "I play football to try and fulfil my potential... I keep working hard and wherever it takes me, it takes me."
For Eze, the message from Merson is clear: he must rediscover his explosive early-season form quickly, or risk becoming a peripheral figure at Arsenal while his international rival pulls ahead in the race for a World Cup starting berth.
