Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his decision to substitute Eberechi Eze at half-time during Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Brentford, citing the need for a different midfield profile to combat the hosts’ physical pressing style.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that tactical requirements drove his decision to replace Eberechi Eze with Martin Odegaard at the interval of Arsenal’s frustrating draw with Brentford. The manager noted that the game’s physical nature and Brentford’s high-intensity approach necessitated a shift in the Gunners’ midfield structure.
Eze was making his first Premier League start since mid-December but struggled to influence the contest during a cagey first half. Arteta explained that creative players often find it difficult when the ball is not on the floor, leading him to introduce Odegaard to generate more problems for the Bees’ defence.
Statistical data highlighted Eze’s difficulties at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Football.London reporting that the England international recorded zero successful dribbles and zero chances created. He managed only 17 touches and failed to complete a single pass into the final third before being withdrawn.
Former England striker Peter Crouch, speaking to The Mirror, described the midfielder as a passenger during the opening 45 minutes. It marked the second time this season that Arteta has opted to haul Eze off at half-time, following a similar tactical switch against Aston Villa in December.
Despite the early exit, Arteta defended the summer signing’s overall form and acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new club. Eze has registered five goals and two assists since his £67.5m move from Crystal Palace, but pundits suggest he is yet to fully master Arsenal’s complex tactical system.
The official club match report confirmed that while the introduction of Odegaard changed the flow of the game, Arsenal could only secure a point. Noni Madueke eventually opened the scoring in the 61st minute, but the result represents a significant blow to the club’s Premier League title aspirations.
Arteta now faces a decision regarding his midfield selection for the upcoming fixtures as he looks to integrate Eze more effectively. The manager remains confident in the player’s ability but stressed that specific match scenarios will continue to dictate his personnel choices on the pitch.
/16x9%20single%20image%20-%202026-02-13T105716.711.webp?ssl=1 "George Russell tops morning timesheets on Day 3 of first pre-season test in Bahrain")
