A hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bournemouth saw Arsenal extend their lead at the Premier League summit, but questions linger over the role of summer signing Eberechi Eze.
The match began with a defensive lapse, a wayward pass from Gabriel Magalhaes gifting Bournemouth an early lead. Evanilson capitalized, finding the net with David Raya stranded, creating an immediate challenge for the Gunners.
Gabriel quickly responded, leveling the score and igniting a spirited contest. A second-half brace from Declan Rice then propelled Arsenal into a commanding position, seemingly securing the points.
However, a stunning strike from Junior Kroupi injected late tension into the game, forcing Arsenal to defend resolutely in the closing stages. Ultimately, they held on, establishing a six-point advantage over Manchester City.
Despite the win, Eze remains an unused substitute for the fourth consecutive Premier League match, sparking debate about Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach. The £67.5 million signing’s lack of minutes is becoming a growing concern.
According to Jamie Redknapp, Arteta appears more focused on preserving leads than unleashing attacking talent from the bench. He suggests a reluctance to risk expansive play in favor of a more conservative strategy.
Redknapp observed that Arteta opted for players who would solidify the defense, rather than seeking to increase the goal difference with dynamic attackers like Eze or Myles Lewis-Skelly. This reveals a manager prioritizing control and security.
Paul Merson drew parallels between Arsenal’s current squad depth and the legendary Manchester United teams of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era. He highlighted the impact of Arsenal’s substitutions, noting their ability to wear down opponents.
Merson pointed to the dominance of Arsenal’s midfield in the second half, where Bournemouth struggled to gain a foothold. The quality of the replacements mirrored the game-changing impact of United’s substitutes in their prime.
He recalled facing a Manchester United side that brought on players like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs, a testament to their incredible depth. Arteta is building a similar level of strength in numbers.
While acknowledging the team’s resilience, Merson questioned the decision to leave Saka on the bench, suggesting his presence could have provided an early spark. Nevertheless, Arsenal’s six-point lead speaks volumes about their consistency and effectiveness.
