Arsenal’s attacking lineup has garnered much attention over the past year, sparking debates about their capacity to secure major trophies in a highly competitive environment. The Gunners experienced ups and downs in their pursuit of titles, leading to calls for a forward who could bring that elusive spark to their game. Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, he doesn’t have just one such player at his disposal but two: Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard.
In recent matches against Newcastle and Olympiakos, both players have showcased their talents in the attacking midfield role, each making compelling cases for a consistent starting position. Eze started against Newcastle, where his influence was palpable. He showcased a flair that had been lacking, coming tantalizingly close to scoring on two occasions, thwarted only by exceptional saves from goalkeeper Nick Pope. A highlight of his performance was a perfectly weighted long ball to Bukayo Saka, which nearly resulted in a penalty after a VAR review.
Arteta praised Eze’s creativity and unpredictability, noting, “He does things that, in the book, are unexpected.” Such spontaneity could prove vital for a team hungry for creative dynamism.
On the other hand, Ødegaard returned to the starting role for the match against Olympiakos and delivered a stellar performance, contributing to both goals in a 2-0 win. The Norwegian completed the game with several shots on target, showing an increased willingness to shoot—a trait often criticized in his previous seasons.
Both players share the ability to unlock the potential of those around them. In this regard, Arteta has expressed his desire to position Eze centrally, where he can exploit the threats around him. He similarly praised Ødegaard for his maturity and creativity, which allow him to orchestrate play from the middle of the pitch.
Despite their different styles—Ødegaard as a creator and Eze as a potential goal-scorer—the overlap in their abilities offers Arteta a unique tactical dilemma. Ødegaard tends to focus more on creating chances, whereas Eze’s goal-scoring prowess could introduce a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack.
An interesting dynamic has emerged between them. With Eze’s newfound freedom to shoot, Ødegaard seems to be adopting a more aggressive approach as well. The match against Olympiakos saw the Arsenal captain emulate this, leading to an increase in shots and overall attacking output. Their coexistence could solve one of Arsenal’s longstanding issues: breaking down teams that sit back defensively.
While both players could theoretically occupy a midfield position at the same time, it would require sacrificing either Martin Zubimendi or Declan Rice—both instrumental in providing balance to Arteta’s current setup. Some have suggested utilizing Eze on the left wing, which would enable both players to feature simultaneously. However, there are indications that Eze’s contributions may be more impactful when he is positioned centrally.
One of Arsenal’s significant challenges last season was converting draws into wins, particularly against mid-table teams. With the prospect of a frontline featuring Saka, Ødegaard, Eze, and striker Viktor Gyökeres, the Gunners may find it easier to break through defensive blocks. Enhanced goal-scoring capability will be paramount as they prepare to take on resilient teams, such as West Ham in upcoming fixtures.
Arteta’s challenge now lies not in whether he has sufficient firepower but in determining how best to deploy it. He has the players at his disposal to create not just more scoring chances but also to put relentless pressure on opposing defenses. The combination of Eze and Ødegaard could lead to valuable chances and goals, enhancing Arsenal’s overall performance and their aspirations for silverware.
Employing both players can potentially shift Arsenal’s strategy from grinding out results to being more attacking-minded, allowing for a more aggressive pursuit of goals that could be instrumental in their campaign for title contention.
In summary, Mikel Arteta faces an enviable dilemma: how to harness the unique strengths of both Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard within his Arsenal squad. Their recent performances indicate that Arteta is on the brink of having an explosive attacking setup. If executed properly, the partnership between these two talented players has the potential to elevate Arsenal’s game and makes them a formidable force in the Premier League and beyond.
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