Arsenal’s approach to attack play is set to change radically. The prospect of Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard linking up has Mikel Arteta buzzing. Eze’s expected scoring impact can transform Arsenal’s attack into a creative juggernaut. At the same time, Odegaard’s brilliant distribution will keep the Gunners contending in close games.
Eberechi Eze has shown promise, with expectations of scoring around 15 goals in the Premier League this season while assisting his teammates. His three-goal haul last time out against Newcastle proved just what a talent he is. Without two stunning saves from Newcastle ‘keeper Nick Pope, Eze would have had two goals in just the first half. It’s that ability to create and convert chances which could prove to be the most crucial element of Arsenal’s title challenge.
Odegaard alone has reaped the benefits of having Eze behind him in the formation. Our Norwegian playmaker gets plenty of abuse for not shooting enough from outside the area. Fans are similarly annoyed with his penchant for heavy touches. With Eze’s ‘shoot on sight’ mentality complementing Odegaard’s more measured approach, the Gunners could find a balance that enhances their attacking threat.
Over the past few matches, they’ve both shown us just how good they are. In the friendly vs Olympiakos, Odegaard linked up Viktor Gyokeres creating two great goal-scoring opportunities. During that same game against Nottingham Forest, Eze, operating in a left winger position, assisted Gyokeres. Eze’s crucial assist to Gabriel Martinelli helped secure a draw against Manchester City, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dropped hints that he’s a fan of both. He described Eze’s unpredictability as an asset that enriched Arsenal’s play against Newcastle.
“He does things that, in the book, are unexpected,” – Mikel Arteta
Arteta added on Eze from a tactical standpoint that he leaves defenders shocked by how quickly he makes decisions.
“When you think he’s going to turn right, he goes left. When he thinks that he’s going to take another touch, he releases the ball,” – Mikel Arteta
Ideally Eze would line up in central areas in games, that’s certainly what Arteta is after. This strategy is crucial particularly when they go up against gritty defensive squads. He thinks that finding times to highlight Eze’s strengths will make the entire team around him more effective.
“The more we put him in central positions, especially when there’s threat around him, we’re playing to his strengths,” – Mikel Arteta
Committing Bukayo Saka, Odegaard, Eze, and Gyokeres in tandem creates a tantalizing attacking juggernaut. This potent mix of forces can quickly unravel the most prepared opposition. With this volume and speed of approach in their attacking runs, Arsenal would be a much more consistent threat.
“When we have a front three with that pace as well, with those timings in the runs, players can activate that and we have to do that 100 per cent,” – Mikel Arteta
Most importantly, Eze’s introduction to the midfield is what’s impressed analysts the most. As former professional footballer Jamie Carragher pointed out, the Gunners’ past issues weren’t with conversion, but with chance creation. He underscored the importance of Eze in creative attacking midfielders in unlocking defenses and setting up scoring chances for strikers like Gyokeres.
“I go back to when people say Arsenal’s problem is finishing. It’s not. It’s creating, they don’t create enough. They haven’t created one chance for Gyokeres in those three games,” – Jamie Carragher
So, as Arsenal continue to find the best way to attack, the interaction between Eze and Odegaard is going to be key. Individually, both players have proven that they can do the job. If they can put their talents together on the pitch, they might be able to find a more potent attack.
Eze’s performances going forward have brought a new life to Arsenal’s attacking presence. He provides alternatives from the flanks as well as through the middle. This unpredictability might be the biggest difference maker on teams that bunker against the Sounders.
The forthcoming fixtures will test how well Arteta is able to utilize this two-pronged menacing approach. That fusion of Odegaard’s vision and Eze’s attacking instinct might well prove to be the difference that helps Arsenal end their long Premier League title drought.
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