Eberechi Eze may be the creative spark Arsenal is lacking, but will he get the chance? Liverpool might offer him that opportunity.
This insightful Mailbox covers various issues from Arne Slot to Marcus Rashford.
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Is Eze Misused in Arsenal’s Setup?
I’ve been reflecting on Arsenal lately, noticing a trend reminiscent of last season due to our cautious play. This has led me to consider our players and whether it stems from the management or the squad itself. Players like Rice, Merino, and Zubimendi don’t take many risks, while Odegaard seems to have toned it down as well.
This brings me to Eze. I was thrilled when he joined, feeling a left winger was necessary. Although he played mostly behind the striker in a different formation at Palace, he has experience on the left. The game against Bilbao was peculiar; Arteta kept urging him to maintain width while Calafiori moved inside to get the ball.
Watching Saka navigate through defenders and eliminate them with his dribbling makes me yearn for that on the left as well. Eze reminds me of Grealish under Guardiola; their roles in mid-table teams allowed for more freedom. However, I suspect Arteta might not appreciate Eze’s defensive efforts. Martinelli excels in that area and likely provides similar output.
I would prefer to see Eze in a central position instead of someone like Rice when playing against weaker teams that need to be broken down.
Dion
Arne Slot’s Refreshingly Candid Approach
It’s hard not to appreciate Arne Slot. He engages with reporters and analysts on a tactical level and speaks candidly about his team’s performance. For instance, he called out Ekitike’s reckless actions, particularly considering he was already on a yellow card. Comparing that to other managers, like Amorim and Arteta, who often deflect blame, Slot’s honesty stands out.
A unique aspect of being a manager is the impact of constant media scrutiny. They must control narratives and promote their successes since the media often aims to bring down those in the limelight. While some directors of football may be unsatisfactory, many successful clubs attribute their achievements to effective management structures.
In contrast, Slot comes across as balanced and refreshingly straightforward, reminiscent of Robertson’s post-match observation that “Ekitike won’t make that mistake again!”
Paul McDevitt
Liverpool’s Dilemma
Unfortunately, Gio Leoni has suffered an ACL injury, further depleting an already thin Liverpool defense. The team is now relying on players like Rhys Williams, and with injuries piling up, the upcoming January transfer window might prove crucial.
Had Liverpool been willing to spend an extra £3-5M last summer, Guehi could have joined, mitigating this situation. With hindsight, it’s clear that a bit of foresight would have helped. The Gunners likely hope for history to repeat itself with Leoni’s absence and not acquiring Guéhi.
The concept of total football might be needed here. If Dominik can fill in at right back, then Curtis Jones and others must adapt into central defense, especially with key players potentially sidelined. After all, if you score four, perhaps you can afford to concede five.
Peter (Can’t the AI bots make ACLs out of carbon fibre or grizzly bears or something) Andalucia
Ekitike’s Competition
While I see your point regarding Ekitike’s feelings on Isak’s signing, it’s crucial to recognize that competing against proven Premier League talent isn’t the same as facing average strikers. Ekitike has quickly shifted from being a starter to playing a backup role, especially now that Isak is set to hit his stride. However, he will still get game time domestically and in Europe.
Good luck to him; his talent is apparent, and it would be intriguing to watch him potentially outshine Isak given all circumstances.
Derek from Dundalk
The Genius of Ekitike
I see a stroke of brilliance in Ekitike’s tactics. Aware of Isak’s inconsistent injury history and reduced fitness level, he might intentionally get himself suspended to ensure more playing time for Isak, potentially leading to an injury that opens doors for him. He’s cleverly navigating the competitive landscape while playing chess in a football arena.
Conor Malone, Donegal
