Theo Walcott - Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Liverpool at Anfield, raising fresh concerns for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners’ preparations were disrupted by mounting injury issues. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Ben White, Christian Norgaard, and long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus were all unavailable, while captain Martin Odegaard was fit only for the bench. To compound matters, William Saliba limped off with an ankle injury just four minutes into the match.
Despite those setbacks, Arsenal’s summer signings allowed Arteta to field a competitive side. Noni Madueke filled in for Saka on the right, Viktor Gyokeres led the line, and £60 million addition Eberechi Eze featured as a second-half substitute.
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Following the defeat, former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott called on Arteta to take a bolder approach by starting Eze immediately after the international break. Speaking on the It’s Called Soccer podcast, Walcott argued that the 26-year-old midfielder’s flair and unpredictability could transform Arsenal’s attack.
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze made his Arsenal debut against Liverpool (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Mikel’s done a fantastic job, no question, but sometimes you’ve got to take the shackles off,” Walcott said. “Eze’s a game-changer, a player who can do something out of nothing. Why wait? Throw him in against Forest after the break. Fans want to see that spark, and he’s got it in buckets.”
Eze, who recorded 11 goals and six assists for Crystal Palace last season, has been eased into the team since his summer move. While Arsenal’s attack has sparkled at times, notably in a 5-0 win over Leeds where Gyokeres struck twice, the lack of creativity in the Liverpool loss has reignited debate about whether Arteta is being too cautious with his new signing.
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Arteta, however, defended his gradual approach. “Eberechi is a fantastic talent, and he’s adapting to our system,” the manager said ahead of the Nottingham Forest fixture. “We’re building something sustainable, and he’s a big part of that. But we have to balance competition and cohesion. He’ll get his chances, and he’s ready to take them.”
Walcott, who scored 108 goals in 397 appearances for Arsenal between 2006 and 2018, insisted that Eze’s versatility makes him too valuable to remain on the bench. “He can play wide, he can play as a No. 10, he can drift and pull defenders out of position. You saw what he did at Palace, he carried them at times. Arsenal need that unpredictability,” he added.
With Arsenal now preparing to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, attention will turn to whether Arteta persists with his trusted formula or heeds Walcott’s advice by giving Eze his first start. The push for boldness, combined with injuries and the integration of new signings, has added intrigue to the Gunners’ title bid.
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