The current situation surrounding Arsenal’s attack raises intriguing questions about how Mikel Arteta will utilize his options. With the emergence of Eberechi Eze and the continued brilliance of Martin Odegaard, the Gunners have two dynamic attacking midfielders vying for a key position. Both players have shown their ability to influence games significantly in recent matches, leaving Arteta with a valuable dilemma.
Mikel Arteta’s Dilemma: Eze, Odegaard, or Both in Arsenal Attack?
Recent Performances
In recent fixtures, Eze has showcased his skills, notably during a tough match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Despite the challenging environment, he contributed greatly, creating scoring opportunities and demonstrating unpredictability. He was denied goals by excellent saves from goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Odegaard, who returned to the attacking role in a match against Olympiakos, also delivered a stellar performance. He contributed to Arsenal’s 2-0 victory, playing a crucial role in both goals, including an assist for Bukayo Saka. Observers noted his increased urgency to shoot, a shift from criticisms of his play last season.
Comparative Skills
- Eberechi Eze: Known for his unexpected movements and vision, Eze can create magical moments on the pitch. His statistical potential suggests he may score around 15 goals in a season.
- Martin Odegaard: As the captain, his creativity shines through. Though he was previously criticized for hesitating to shoot, recent games reflect a shift towards a more aggressive approach.
Impact on Teammates
Both players have the capability to unlock Arsenal’s attacking potential, enhancing the performance of forward Viktor Gyokeres. With Eze providing six shots for Gyokeres in the Newcastle match, the link between midfield and attack appears stronger than ever.
Potential Line-ups
One significant question remains: how can Arteta effectively integrate both Eze and Odegaard into his system? Playing them simultaneously could lead to a highly offensive lineup. This might require sacrificing either Declan Rice or Martin Zubimendi, who offer crucial stability in midfield.
Strategies Moving Forward
Despite their different playing styles, both Eze and Odegaard can potentially thrive in a dual-role setup. Eze has shown flexibility, scoring and assisting even when played in varied positions, including out wide. However, his central role has yielded more productive results.
As Arsenal prepares to face West Ham, the emphasis will be on addressing their struggles against teams deploying low blocks. Last season, they drew 14 matches, often due to difficulties in scoring a second goal. The potential for a forward line featuring Saka, Odegaard, Eze, and Gyokeres could ease these challenges.
Conclusion
The true strength of Arsenal’s attack may depend on Arteta’s strategic decisions involving Eze and Odegaard. As they both improve and adapt, the focus will remain on how effectively these talents are utilized to achieve Arsenal’s goals this season.
Follow the developments in Arsenal’s upcoming match against West Ham, anticipated for Saturday at 3 PM.
