Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool is always one of the most anticipated fixtures in English football. Two giants of the Premier League, with passionate fans and players who give their all, make this encounter more than just a football match—it’s a battle of pride and ambition. But while the game itself produced drama, what caught the attention of fans and pundits alike was a surprising decision from Mikel Arteta: leaving Eberechi Eze on the bench.
Football legend Alan Shearer openly voiced his surprise at Arsenal’s choice not to start Eze, especially given the player’s impressive form and experience. The debate grew louder when Shearer revealed that even Ian Wright, Arsenal’s legendary striker, shared the same confusion.
So, why was this such a big talking point, and what does it mean for Arsenal moving forward? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Shearer and Wrighty: Surprised by Eze’s Absence
During his post-match analysis, Shearer made it clear that Arsenal’s decision baffled him. He said:
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“I was a little bit surprised with Arsenal not playing Eze. Why does he need easing in? It’s not as if he hasn’t played… he’s played all season already and he’s already played Liverpool.”
The words reflect a very straightforward point—Eze is not a newcomer who needs extra time to adapt. He has already played at the highest level, shown his quality, and even faced Liverpool before. For Shearer, it made little sense to keep such a talented player out of the starting lineup in a crucial match.
Shearer also added that while enjoying a pint with Wrighty, even Arsenal’s own icon questioned the decision. According to Wright, there was no reason not to trust Eze from the start. If both Shearer and Wrighty—two respected voices in English football—are scratching their heads, then fans are certainly justified in asking questions too.
When Eze eventually came on, he showed flashes of brilliance. He carried the ball forward with confidence, created chances, and posed a real threat to Liverpool’s defense. But by then, Arsenal were already chasing the game, and the opportunity to maximize his impact had been reduced.
Did Arsenal Miss a Golden Chance?
When you face a team like Liverpool, every decision matters. They press hard, play with high intensity, and punish mistakes. Arsenal knew this game was vital for their title ambitions and for proving they can compete with the very best.
Starting Eze could have given them:
- Creativity from the start – Eze is known for his ability to dribble, pick out key passes, and unlock stubborn defenses.
- Fear factor for Liverpool – With his pace and skill, he could have unsettled Liverpool’s backline early.
- Confidence boost for the team – Seeing a player of Eze’s flair on the pitch can lift teammates and energize fans.
Instead, Arsenal were forced to bring him on later, when the rhythm of the game was already set. By then, Liverpool had control, and Eze had limited time to make a real difference.
This raises the big question: did Arsenal miss a golden chance to change the game by not starting him? Shearer seems to think so, and many fans agree.
A Disappointing Day for Arsenal
At the end of the day, Shearer summed it up as “a disappointing day for Arsenal.” The decision to bench Eze may not have been the only reason for the result, but it added to the frustration. Supporters want to see their best players on the pitch in big matches, and Eze has shown he belongs in that category.
For Arsenal, this game highlighted two important lessons:
- Big players need big opportunities – Holding back a talent like Eze in a top clash can cost the team momentum.
- Decisions will be judged – In football, managers are praised when bold calls pay off, but questioned when they don’t.
Moving forward, Arsenal will need to ensure they make the most of their resources. Eze has already proved he can step up, and the sooner he is trusted in key games, the better Arsenal’s chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Alan Shearer’s comments have sparked a debate that won’t go away soon. Fans love to analyze decisions, and when legends like Shearer and Ian Wright openly question a choice, it adds weight to the conversation.
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Eze is a player full of flair, creativity, and confidence. Arsenal’s future games will show whether Arteta is ready to unleash him from the start or continue easing him in. But one thing is clear—keeping him on the bench in a massive clash like Liverpool left fans and pundits wondering what could have been.
Football is full of “what ifs,” and this was one of them. If Eze had started, would Arsenal’s day have been brighter? We may never know. But the debate ensures this match will be remembered not only for the result but also for the decision that left many puzzled.