Arsenal playmaker Eberechi Eze produced a solid performance during the 3-0 win over Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The England international was surprisingly an unused substitute in the Premier League win over Leeds United last weekend, where Noni Madueke started on the left wing.
He was reinstated in the position against Lille. Eze struggled to impose himself in the opening half, with most of Arsenal’s play coming from the opposite end through Madueke.
However, he grew in confidence as the game went on. He squandered a big scoring opportunity but eventually bagged the Gunners’ second goal with a sublime left-footed finish from a Bukayo Saka cross.
The 28-year-old looked more involved after Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz were introduced. He played like a left-sided number 10 and finished the game on a strong note.
Aside from his goal, Eze had 53 touches yesterday with a pass completion rate of 91 percent. He won seven duels, made seven recoveries and completed an impressive four dribbles.
The former Crystal Palace man has had a frustrating start to the campaign. He scored his first goal of the season yesterday, which should boost his confidence going forward.
Eze looked back to his usual best, in our opinion. We believe he has done enough to continue on the left wing when the Gunners take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.
Manager Mikel Arteta has a selection headache on his hands with both Eze and Madueke getting goal contributions yesterday. The latter provided the assist for Jurrien Timber’s opener.
Madueke was solid against Leeds last weekend too and provided a key cross for the equaliser.
Looking at recent history, Eze has three goal involvements in his last five meetings against Forest and should get the nod after his good chemistry with Saka, Havertz and Odegaard on the pitch yesterday.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com