Arsenal Fall Short at Anfield as Late Eze Cameo Highlights What Might Have Been
Arsenal left Anfield empty-handed once again on Sunday, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in a game that offered few clear chances for either side. Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning second-half free-kick proved decisive, but the match also raised questions about whether Mikel Arteta could have made better use of his bench — particularly new signing Eberechi Eze.
Martinelli Struggles to Make an Impact
Arteta opted to start Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing, hoping the Brazilian’s pace and directness would trouble Liverpool’s reshuffled defence. Instead, Martinelli endured a frustrating afternoon, often isolated and unable to produce the cutting edge Arsenal needed. His attempts to drive at Liverpool’s makeshift right-back came to little, and he failed to create meaningful openings for himself or his teammates.
Eze Brings Fresh Energy
When Eberechi Eze entered the fray in the 70th minute, Arsenal looked instantly more inventive. The £65m summer signing from Crystal Palace injected flair and confidence into a stagnant attack, showcasing exactly why the club moved for him.
One moment in particular stood out: Eze danced past Szoboszlai with ease, gliding through midfield and offering Arsenal the kind of unpredictability that had been missing all game. It was a stark contrast to Martinelli’s earlier struggles, and it begged the question of whether Eze should have been introduced earlier.
A Lesson in Timing for Arteta?
While Arsenal’s overall performance was disciplined and organised defensively, they rarely looked like breaking Liverpool down. With Eze’s energy and ball-carrying ability evident in his short cameo, many fans will feel that an earlier substitution might have shifted the momentum.
Ultimately, it was another frustrating trip to Anfield for the Gunners, who remain winless at the ground for 16 consecutive visits. Yet in Eze, Arsenal supporters saw a glimpse of what could become a crucial weapon this season — provided Arteta is willing to unleash him sooner.
