Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing about Eberechi Eze, who made his debut in a 1-0 loss to champions Liverpool on Sunday. The Gunners spent the whole of the game with the handbrake on, and were punished late on as Mikel Arteta’s winless streak at Anfield extended.
For the most part, the first meeting between last season’s top two in the Premier League was flat and lifeless, with both Arsenal and Liverpool appearing more intent on avoiding defeat than taking chances to go top of the table ahead of the first international break. Finally, with 10 minutes remaining, temporary right-back Dominik Szoboszlai scored with a beautiful free kick. Watch his goal below.
Arsenal’s one bright moment was the introduction of Eze, who came on in the 70th minute to a rapturous greeting from the traveling fans. While it was just a brief appearance, early impressions of Crystal Palace’s £67.5 million signing have begun to emerge.
Eberechi Eze Displays Flashes of Brilliance on Arsenal Debut
Coming on for Gabriel Martinelli for the final 20 minutes, plus seven minutes of additional time, Eze faced a difficult assignment in his debut appearance for the club he grew up supporting, as Arsenal struggled to reply to the Reds’ goal. Nonetheless, his 27-minute performance provided much for fans to get enthusiastic about.
In that brief period, he had only 13 touches yet completed all nine of his pass attempts, successfully performed his only dribble as he attempted to press the issue (see below), and won all three ground duels. In less than half the time Martinelli had to make an impression, the England international was able to establish himself on the left side and outperform his opponent for a starting berth.
This encouraging performance did not go unnoticed, with Arsenal fans overwhelmingly positive about their new signing. “I saw more from Eze in 20 minutes than I did from Martinelli in the past two seasons,” one X user said, while another added, “Just look at that Eze cameo – very encouraging.” A third continued:
“[Gabriel] Martinelli should never start another game for Arsenal. Eze came on and accomplished more in 20 minutes, and he’s not even a natural left-winger.”
The midfielder-turned-winger’s positive remarks continued, with a fourth X user writing, “Eze done more in five minutes than Martinelli did all game.” “Wrong team selection.” Meanwhile, a fifth said, “I don’t want to see Martinelli in Arsenal’s starting lineup anymore.” “Eze accomplished more in 10 minutes.”
Of course, positive performances must be backed up with three points, but it’s a good start for Eze at his hometown club. Following the international break, the Gunners have a tough test against Nottingham Forest, where Eze will look to make his Emirates Stadium debut.
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