Arsenal’s Transition Crisis… Meet the Antidote
As someone who watches almost every Arsenal game, I can’t help but sigh at how often we waste transitions. We win the ball, there’s space to attack, and instead of punishing teams, we stall or turn it over. Arteta’s side is tactically solid, but when it comes to rapid, incisive counters or breaking down stubborn low blocks, we still fall short. The truth is simple: we lack transitional players.
That’s where Eberechi Eze comes in.
Why Eze Is the Missing #10 Arsenal Need
Eberechi Eze thrives in the exact areas where Arsenal struggle. He is an elite dribbler, ball carrier, and passer. He can run in behind, dictate attacks, and he’s comfortable both from the left wing and as a number 10.
And the numbers back it up:
- 3.59 dribbles attempted per game, 2.03 successful – ranking among the best in the league (FootyStats)
- 2.06 key passes per game – 94th percentile (FootyStats)
- 0.28 assists per 90 with 0.30 xA – again top percentile (FootyStats)
- 3.6 shots per 90 – bettered only by Haaland, Jota, Palmer, Madueke, and Enciso (Opta Analyst)
While Ødegaard gives Arsenal incredible control, he isn’t the type to accelerate play or constantly make runs off the ball. Eze is. And that’s why he feels tailor-made for this team.
What Does That Mean for Arteta’s System?
Picture this: Eze playing as a right-sided 10, constantly interchanging with Saka. The underlaps, overlaps, and direct runs would be a nightmare for defenders. Ødegaard can dictate tempo, but Eze can be the spark that turns dominance into goals.
He also offers versatility. Whether he’s central or drifting left, he provides penetration that Arsenal currently lack. For a squad that already boasts depth, Eze gives Arteta another dimension—control plus chaos.
The Left-Wing Factor
Another underrated part of Eze’s game is how effective he can be on the left wing. This matters because while Martinelli and Trossard are excellent, their profiles are similar in some ways.
- Martinelli is explosive and direct, but he relies heavily on his pace and instinctive finishing. He thrives in space but can get crowded out against low blocks.
- Trossard offers smart movement and link-up play, but he’s more of a tidy connector than a line-breaker.
Eze brings something different. He can isolate a defender one-on-one and beat him, or he can cut inside and carry the ball through midfield. His ability to combine dribbling with creative passing means he isn’t just a threat to score—he creates for others too. On the left wing, he would give Arsenal a different dynamic: less predictable, more versatile, and harder to shut down.
That flexibility makes him even more valuable. He can rotate with Martinelli and Trossard while still offering qualities neither of them bring consistently.
Proven Performer Under Pressure
Eze isn’t just about highlight reels, he produces when it matters.
- He scored from outside the box in the FA Cup semi-final vs Villa, then sealed Palace’s first-ever major trophy with a volley against Manchester City in the final (Wikipedia).
- He contributed goals and assists against top opposition like City, Arsenal, Forest, and Villa during Palace’s cup run (Opta Analyst).
- In the quarter-final against Fulham, he scored and assisted in quick succession to carry Palace through (Vanguard News).
These aren’t just good performances. They’re big-game moments. Arsenal need more of that.
Arsenal’s Elite-Level Attack… Finally Complete
Arsenal’s attack is stacked. Saka, Madueke, Gyökeres, Ødegaard, Havertz—all give Arteta variety and control. What they haven’t had is the individual brilliance that consistently breaks games open in transition. Eze brings that.
Think back to City at their peak: Haaland, De Bruyne, Mahrez. Or Liverpool at their best: Salah, Trent, plus four or five forwards capable of deciding games. Arsenal finally have the makings of that same unpredictability.
Bottom Line
Arsenal already have the depth and the system. What they needed was transitional quality and direct individualism in the final third. That’s exactly what Eberechi Eze provides.
He won’t just slot into Arteta’s side, he’ll elevate it. From the moment he pulls on the shirt, his ability will be undeniable. The dribbling, the creativity, the transitional threat—it’s all there.
With Eze, Arsenal won’t just be contenders. They’ll be winners.
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