Eberechi Eze given Manchester United verdict after Arsenal audition leaves more questions

Eberechi Eze was given a chance to start for Arsenal against Inter Milan but left more questions than answers ahead of Manchester United clash

It was a wonderful evening for Arsenal as they made a real statement in the Champions League with victory over Inter Milan, last season’s beaten finalists, in their own backyard. San Siro played host to Mikel Arteta’s side, showing just how good the depth really is.

Seven changes were made from the side that were held to a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest. While many, fairly, complained about the performance in the East Midlands, the reality was the Gunners had the chances to win the game, and comfortably, outside of the arguable penalty that also was not given.

European football has been much more open for Arsenal, and while their average goals per game has been less than two in the Premier League, it is just under three in the Champions League. Despite the challenge of the Nerazzurri, Arteta decided to switch up the squad, with some big chances given to key players.

Myles Lewis-Skelly and Cristhian Mosquera certainly took the opportunities afforded to them with some very encouraging displays. Gabriel Jesus scored twice from the striker role too, making a case for inclusion in the starting eleven this weekend.

However, replacing Martin Odegaard, who himself has been very underwhelming after an initial upturn in his form following a return from injury, was Eberechi Eze. Arteta had previously challenged Eze to change his mind and prove him wrong for not playing him, but if the question is: did he do so against Inter Milan? The answer is a simple one: unlikely.

Despite involvement in the first goal, finding the pass into the box before it was worked well to Lewis-Skelly, whose cross found Jurrien Timber before a mis-hit shot was poached by Jesus, the rest of his game was sombre. An opportunity fell to him in the second half, which, on his left foot, failed to test Yann Sommer.

And beyond these moments, Eze was unable to truly threaten Inter. Additionally, the midfield setup of Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and the former Crystal Palace talisman, while progressive, was much more open.

Inter Milan were more threatening and eager to attack than most Premier League teams, but the ease with which they often cut through the midfield to find space was obviously agitating Arteta on the sidelines.

It is perhaps little surprise that Declan Rice came on to replace Eze in the second half, and Merino pushed into the more advanced role. Merino is making a good case to start ahead of both Eze and Odegaard when Manchester United come to north London on Sunday.

For Eze, he needs consistency, and for me, I’d like that to come on the left. Away from the responsibilities of playing through the middle.

With Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, however, this area is arguably even more stacked. And with Ethan Nwaneri expected to leave on loan, an injury to Odegaard for a fourth time this season will almost certainly see Eze start.

Kai Havertz’s return could be a potential feature in the second striker-esque role. But for Eze, when these games come, the impact needs to be greater, and no one can doubt that he has the capacity to do exactly that and find a new gear!