Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson is hoping supporters show a bit of patience with Eberechi Eze.
Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said he noticed some fans weren’t happy with Eze’s actions in the defeat to Manchester United, and he has urged them to give the player more time to settle at the Emirates:
Most Read on Gooner News
“When Eberechi Eze came on against Manchester United last weekend, the Arsenal fans were going ballistic. I assume most of them felt he was being very casual on the ball. But that’s just the way he plays and it’s not his fault!”
“The thing with Eze is that he’s a special player. He is elegant when he gets on the ball, and I think the fans need to give him time. I mean no disrespect to Palace, but it’s not the same when you join Arsenal. The pressure is always on you and I believe Eze is still getting used to it. I hope they give him time.”
Eze has struggled since the North London derby
The 27-year-old’s hat-trick against Tottenham back in November should have been a lift-off moment for his Arsenal career, but he seems to have gone backwards.
Eze has not scored a goal since that game, and his only assist following the derby came in the subsequent fixture against Bayern Munich.
The England international has not contributed in the last 11 matches in all competitions.
Arsenal fans should expect more for £67.5m
It has to be said that Eze is not a young player, and unlike other high-profile summer signings, like Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, he didn’t need time to adapt to a new country or league either.
In fact, the midfielder got his Gunners career off to a flyer, with 5 goals and 4 assists in 17 matches, so really the fanbase is right to be asking for more, especially as he could end up costing £67.5m.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here