Expectations were enormous when Eberechi Eze arrived at Arsenal, but the attacking midfielder now faces mounting scrutiny following an underwhelming start to life in North London.
The England international of Nigerian descent initially thrilled supporters with a historic performance against Tottenham Hotspur in November, becoming only the third Arsenal player to score a hat trick against the club’s fiercest rivals and the first to achieve the feat in nearly five decades.
That explosive display appeared to confirm Arsenal had secured a decisive attacking weapon capable of shaping major matches. However, Eze has struggled to maintain that momentum, with his involvement gradually diminishing under manager Mikel Arteta.
The 27-year-old has frequently been deployed from the bench rather than trusted with a consistent starting role, limiting his opportunity to establish rhythm and influence.
Concerns intensified after Arsenal’s disappointing encounter with Brentford, where Eze produced a quiet attacking display, managing only 17 touches and failing to impose himself creatively.
The performance reinforced growing fears among supporters that the playmaker has yet to adapt fully to Arteta’s demanding tactical structure, where attacking players are expected to contribute significantly both in possession and during pressing phases.
Speaking on TNT Sport, former Premier League forward Crouch delivered a frank assessment of Eze’s recent performances and suggested his current form could jeopardise his international ambitions.
“I believe he hadn’t started in the last nine or something like that, so he got a start today, and you think ‘right go and impress.
“Unfortunately he just felt off the boil, he couldn’t get on the ball in the first-half. It was difficult for Arsenal in general.
“I felt for him. And he doesn’t give you what Odegaard gives you in pressing, and he doesn’t affect it when he hasn’t got the ball.
“He was a bit of a passenger, if I’m being honest, we called it half an hour in that he was going to come off because for some reason it feels at the moment he (Arteta) doesn’t fancy him.
“That is going to damage his England’s chances.”
Eze joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace in a deal worth an initial £60 million, but with fierce competition for attacking places and a major international tournament approaching, the midfielder faces a defining period in his Arsenal career.
