Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed his decision to substitute Eberechi Eze at halftime during the 1-1 draw against Brentford on Friday, February 13, 2026. Arteta explained that the creative midfielder struggled to cope with Brentford’s aggressive tactical approach, prompting a change to alter the match dynamics.
Eze’s First Premier League Start in Two Months
This match marked Eze’s first Premier League start since December 13. He was handed the opportunity after Kai Havertz suffered an injury and Martin Odegaard had yet to fully recover. Despite the chance, Eze was unable to influence the game effectively. Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target during the first half, highlighting the difficulty he faced under Brentford’s high pressing.
Tactical Change to Counter Pressing
Arteta revealed that the substitution was part of a tactical adjustment to break Brentford’s intense pressing.
“With the way they were pressing, I thought we needed a different player profile to create more problems for them in the areas we wanted to attack,” Arteta said.
“I believe Odegaard came on and immediately lifted the team’s level. He brought a more dangerous dimension to our play in the attacking zones. That was the reasoning behind the change,” he added.
After Odegaard replaced Eze, Arsenal appeared more alive and enjoyed their best period of the match, showing increased control and attacking fluency.
High-Profile Signing Yet to Fully Shine
Eze joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace last summer for a reported £60 million. However, his contributions have yet to meet expectations.
The 25-year-old has not scored or assisted in the Premier League since his hat-trick against Tottenham in November, leaving fans and pundits hoping for more consistent performances.
Despite the limited impact, Arteta defended his creative midfielder, noting that Brentford’s direct and physical style presented additional challenges for players like Eze.
“I think he had some moments, but it’s not easy when you move to a new club,” Arteta said.
“Especially against a team like this, where the ball is often not on the floor and you constantly have to break up play and adapt, it becomes even more difficult for attacking and creative players,” he continued.
Adapting to a New System
Arteta emphasized that Eze is gradually adapting to Arsenal’s style and the Premier League’s intensity. The manager remains confident that the midfielder will eventually find his rhythm and deliver the quality expected at Emirates Stadium.
“The adaptation takes time, and every player needs to understand the demands of the team and league. Eze is talented, and I am confident he will show his best soon,” Arteta said.
Arsenal’s Title Challenge Continues
The draw against Brentford was another missed opportunity for Arsenal in the race for the 2025/2026 Premier League title. Arsenal remains at the top of the table but now sees Manchester City close the gap to four points, intensifying the pressure in the final stretch of the season.
Arteta highlighted that substitutions like the one involving Eze are not criticisms of the player but strategic decisions to cope with specific match scenarios.
“In situations where you face high pressing, you sometimes need to make changes to create different challenges for the opposition. It’s about the team and not an individual,” Arteta noted.
Moving Forward
Arsenal will now look ahead to upcoming fixtures, hoping for a full-strength squad and improved attacking cohesion. Arteta remains committed to giving Eze time to integrate and prove his worth on a consistent basis.
“The Premier League is demanding, and Eze is learning how to navigate it. We need him at his best, and he will get there. It’s a matter of patience and preparation,” Arteta concluded.
The Gunners continue their pursuit of the league title with a blend of experienced players and high-profile signings, aiming to secure crucial points in the remaining matches of the season. Eze’s full integration could provide the spark needed for Arsenal to maintain their momentum in the title race.
ALSO READ :
