Mikel Arteta has to go for the jugular and start Eberechi Eze for Arsenal against Newcastle United after his former club, Crystal Palace, blew the title race wide open.
Eze will have celebrated Palace’s 2-1 victory over runaway league leaders Liverpool on Saturday, which finally handed Arne Slot’s defending champions their first defeat of the season. It was much-deserved, and former Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah came up with a remarkable 90+7th-minute winner.
Arsenal can move to within two points of the Merseyside giants with a win at St James’ Park on Sunday, and that’s exactly why Arteta can’t put the “handbrake” on against the Magpies. If the Spaniard wants to show his side means business, then Eze is a certain starter.
Eze Will Be Arteta’s Man For Big Occasion
It’s early days in the Premier League title race, but Liverpool were unstoppable up until their setback at Selhurst Park. Their likely challengers, Arsenal, are often accused of lacking a champions’ mentality, and this cautious approach of sorts was used against Arteta after his side settled on a frustrating 1-1 home draw against Manchester City last weekend.
Arteta came under fire for a questionable team selection, choosing a midfield three of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino who faltered away at Anfield last month. A lack of creativity was also glaringly obvious and his decision not to start Eze puzzled many.
Eze came off the bench and proved a point, picking out fellow sub Gabriel Martinelli for a sensational late equaliser against City. The English attacker should have been producing such magic from the off rather than from the bench.
Arteta will know better than anyone how difficult a trip to St James’ can be having tasted defeat on more occasions than he’s come away with three points. But Sunday will be a true test of this squad’s title credentials and whether they have the courage to take risks in their battle with Liverpool for the crown.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Arsenal have won two and lost three of their five league games away to Newcastle United under Mikel Arteta
Eze, hailed “unbelievable” by former boss Oliver Glasner, shouldn’t be pushed to the left to accommodate Merino, but rather he should occupy the number 10 role, and Arteta could use Martinelli off the left. He went with Leandro Trossard out wide in the City draw, but regardless, Eze’s start must be central so he can control proceedings.
The 27-year-old has two assists in his last two league outings, which is telling of how impactful he can be if given the freedom to pull the strings. Arteta has yet to start him against any of last season’s top five. He started and scored the opener midweek in a 2-0 win over Port Vale in the Carabao Cup