Arsenal playmaker Eberechi Eze had a dismal performance during the 1-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest on the road on Sunday.
The England international got the nod over Noni Madueke to start on the left wing against the Tricky Trees, but he was almost non-existent in the first half.
Eze, who received a 3/10 rating from football.london, was replaced by Madueke at the break. The 24-year-old had a more lively performance and eventually scored the winner with the help of a deflection.
Madueke impressed against Leeds United at home earlier this month, delivering a quality cross into the box that helped set up Riccardo Calafiori’s crucial equaliser.
The former Chelsea man went on to assist Jurrien Timber’s opening goal against Lille, and was probably hard done by after Eze got the nod over him on the left wing at Forest.
Eze did score in the 3-0 Champions League win over Lille, but he was barely involved yesterday, with nine passes and 22 touches. He lost possession eight times in 45 minutes.
The 28-year-old did not attempt a single cross into the box, and we believe manager Mikel Arteta has an easy decision to make by dropping him when the Gunners take on Bayern on the road on Wednesday.
Madueke, who scored in the 3-1 win over Bayern at the Emirates Stadium last season, should be a guaranteed starter on the left flank after a brilliant cameo performance.
Beyond his goal, he was far more involved than Eze, with 16 passes and 30 touches. He attempted six crosses into the box, and should be Arsenal’s left winger on current form with Christos Tzolis injured.
Meanwhile, Eze will be disappointed with his own display. He may not be a natural on the left wing, but has had plenty of goal contributions from the position during his time with Crystal Palace.
The onus is on him to improve whenever he gets the chance to play there, as Martin Odegaard is an undisputed starter in the number 10 role, with Mikel Merino seen as a possible back-up.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com