Alan Shearer Voices Concerns Over Eberechi Eze's Form at Arsenal
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has openly criticized Eberechi Eze's recent performances for Arsenal, suggesting the player looks 'lost' under the management of Mikel Arteta. Shearer's comments come amid concerns that Eze's lack of consistent starting opportunities could negatively impact his chances of securing a spot in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Eze's Struggles Highlighted in Recent Matches
Since his high-profile move from Crystal Palace in August, Eberechi Eze has managed five goals and five assists across 34 appearances in all competitions. However, his form has notably dipped, with no goals or assists in the Premier League since his memorable hat-trick against Tottenham in the North London derby back in November. In a recent 0-0 draw with Brentford, Eze was substituted at half-time, a decision Arteta described as tactical, citing the need for a different player profile to handle Brentford's pressing tactics.
This start against Brentford marked his first since mid-December, during a 2-1 victory over Wolves. Following that, Eze spent the next four games on the bench before making substitute appearances in subsequent Premier League fixtures. Shearer expressed his surprise at the situation, stating, "Mikel Arteta has got one or two things that he needs to iron out. I mean, the situation with Eze against Brentford was surprising a bit because he seems lost or at least he did in that game."
Shearer's Analysis on Eze's Confidence and Future
Shearer further elaborated on Eze's apparent decline in confidence, contrasting his current state with the optimism surrounding his arrival at Arsenal. "Eze looks lost. It's remarkable really, isn't it? The guy we're talking about who scored the hat-trick in the North London Derby. Everyone was thinking, wow, what a player he is and what a time he's going to have at Arsenal," Shearer remarked. He added, "He looked as if he needed the world to swallow him up. He didn't look comfortable at all."
The former England striker emphasized the importance of regular playing time for international selection, warning, "He won't be in the England squad if he's not going to be playing. I think that was his first start from mid-December last year as well. He's hardly had any starts as well and that has to change if he's going to get in the England squad."
Upcoming Opportunity in the FA Cup
Despite these challenges, Eberechi Eze may have a chance to redeem himself in Arsenal's upcoming FA Cup fourth-round match against Wigan Athletic on Sunday. The Gunners have not advanced past this stage since 2020, making this game a significant opportunity to break that streak and for Eze to regain his form and confidence under Arteta's guidance.
