FOOTBALL
Posted on February 13, 2026 9:45 pm | Updated on February 13, 2026 6:36 pm
Eberechi Eze was a star at Crystal Palace, but his move to Arsenal in August 2025 for £60 million has not gone smoothly. The 27-year-old English attacker scored a hat-trick against Tottenham in November, thrilling fans. But since then, his form has dropped. He has no goals or assists in his last 15 games. To turn things around, Eze should look at the journey of Jack Grealish at Manchester City. Jack Grealish faced similar issues but adapted and succeeded. This could help Eze fit into Mikel Arteta‘s team and revive his career.
Eze’s Promising Start at Arsenal
Eze joined Arsenal after shining at Palace, where he scored 40 goals in 169 games. He wears number 10 and plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger. His Arsenal debut was against Liverpool in August 2025. Early on, he scored four Premier League goals and two assists in 19 appearances, mostly as a sub.
The highlight was his hat-trick in the north London derby, a 4-2 win over Spurs. Fans loved his skill and flair. But that game now feels like a high point. Eze has struggled to keep up the pace in a team chasing titles.
When Eberechi Eze came off the bench against Leeds, he constantly drove forward and created real danger in our attack. That missed effort showed his bravery too. It’ll be fascinating to see how Mikel Arteta chooses between Havertz and Eze tomorrow. 👏 pic.twitter.com/NdZmmgL9w2
— afcnewsroom (@afcnewsroom) February 11, 2026
Current Struggles and Form Dip
Lately, Eberechi Eze has been quiet on the pitch. In a recent start against Brentford, he touched the ball only 17 times and was subbed at half-time. It was his first league start in eight weeks. Against Wolves, he lasted just 57 minutes. Arsenal had no shots on target in the first half of both games.
At Palace, Eberechi Eze had freedom to roam and create. Defenses gave him space. At Arsenal, teams sit deep, and he must fit into Arteta’s system. He’s not pressing hard or linking play well. Arteta has stopped using him on the left wing after poor showings. Competition from Martin Odegaard makes it hard to get minutes.
Fans and experts question if Eze can adapt. His confidence seems low, and he’s walking more than running. Arteta says joining a new club is tough, especially against low blocks.
Jack Grealish’s Turnaround at City
Jack Grealish’s story offers hope. He joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2021 for £100 million. At Villa, he was the main man, like Eze at Palace. His first season at City was hard. He struggled to fit Pep Guardiola’s style and faced criticism.
But in his second year, Grealish changed. He sacrificed some flair to become a team player. He focused on simple passes, holding the ball, and drawing fouls. This helped City win the Treble in 2023. Grealish became key without always starring.
Lessons Eze Can Learn
Eze needs to follow Grealish’s path: move from solo star to system cog. At Arsenal, the team can’t rebuild around one player. Eze must adjust his game—press more, pass quicker, and create space for others.
He should use his dribbling smarter, not just for show. Grealish learned to play safer when needed. Eze has talent, proven in the Premier League and with England, where he scored his first goal in 2025. But he needs time on the pitch to adapt.
Arteta can help by giving chances, but Eze must earn them in training. Past late-season surges at Palace show he can bounce back.
🚨 Arteta on Eberechi Eze: “It’s not easy when you move to a new club and when you play against a team that is like Brentford”.
“The ball is a lot of times NOT on the floor and especially for creative players, it’s more difficult”. pic.twitter.com/RXl4ctAz7u
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2026
Looking Ahead for Eze
If Eze learns from Grealish, he could become vital for Arsenal’s title push. His hat-trick shows his potential. But without change, doubts will grow about the £60m signing.
In simple terms, Eze must sacrifice some freedom for team success. Like Jack Grealish, this could lead to trophies and a revived career. Arsenal fans hope he explodes back into form soon.
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