Arsenal qualified for the Carabao Cup fourth round after a 2-0 victory over Port Vale on the road on Wednesday night.
The Gunners were clear favourites to beat the League One outfit at Vale Park, but they will be disappointed by the scoreline.
Despite nine changes to the starting XI, much more was expected from Mikel Arteta’s side with the possession they commanded.
Eberechi Eze opened the scoring after just eight minutes on the clock for the Gunners.
Myles Lewis-Skelly laid a perfect assist for Eze, who scored his maiden goal in the club’s colours.
The England international had another excellent chance during the opening half, but he could not beat the goalkeeper in that instance.
Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked about Eze’s performance.
The Spanish tactician said that the 27-year-old was signed to ‘win football matches’ and could have scored more against the Valiants.
He told Sky Sports (via BBC Sport): “That’s why we got him for, to win football matches. He should have scored another two I think.”
On Eze’s position, he added: “Depends on the players around him and the certain moments the space was closed, so we moved him somewhere else.
“He is a player who has to be in touch with the ball and we find ways to do that.”
Eze had a top outing against the Valiants on the road. He had 55 touches in the Carabao Cup third round tie and completed 88 percent of his passes on the night.
The former Crystal Palace man won five duels and three tackles, while completing 100 percent of his long balls. He could have scored another goal at Vale Park.
Eze has had a fine start to his Gunners career despite being in and out of the starting XI.
He has chipped in with a couple of assists, including a sublime long pass for Gabriel Martinelli’s stunning stoppage-time goal against Manchester City last weekend.
Eze, who is valued at £48 million by Transfermarkt, has seamlessly adapted to the Gunners’ playing style and should only get better with more training sessions.
He has regularly been swapped between the left wing and number 10 positions. His chemistry with his teammates should improve as the season progresses.
Arsenal take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park in Sunday’s Premier League encounter. In our view, Arteta must drop Mikel Merino to the substitutes’ bench.
The Spaniard has had lacklustre performances against Port Vale and Manchester City. He has been slow with his decision-making, losing regular possession.
We prefer Eze partnering with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in the heart of the midfield against the Magpies. The Gunners need his creativity over Merino’s physical presence.
Arteta said that Martin Odegaard is ‘totally fine‘ earlier this week. If the captain makes his comeback, Eze should start on the left wing ahead of Gabriel Martinelli.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com
