Ian Wright: Eberechi Eze will be 'devastated' after ruthless Arteta substitution
Arsenal legend Ian Wright expresses concern over Eberechi Eze's role following his half-time substitution against Nottingham Forest.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
Eberechi Eze endured a difficult afternoon during Arsenal's away win against Nottingham Forest. Handed his first Premier League start of the season, the £60 million signing was withdrawn by manager Mikel Arteta at the interval. His replacement, Noni Madueke, made an immediate impact, netting the decisive goal in the 80th minute.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes the early substitution will hit the playmaker hard. According to Wright, this decision suggests the England international may struggle to cement a consistent role in Arteta's starting line-up for the remainder of the campaign.
It’s very tough for him at the minute. Looking at the first-half, we started thinking that he would get taken off. I didn’t think it would be at half-time though. He must be devastated. Ian Wright
Wright also pointed to tactical positioning as a primary factor in Eze's recent struggles. While the midfielder thrives when playing centrally, Arteta has predominantly deployed him out wide, where he appears isolated and unable to utilize his natural strengths. Wright suggests that Eze now faces an uphill battle to secure regular minutes alongside other attacking options.
The Gunners must now shift focus toward their upcoming Champions League clash against Bayern Munich this Wednesday.