Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is known for blending meticulous planning with emotional decision-making, a trait he showcased last month when he started Mikel Merino against Nottingham Forest after the midfielder’s hat-trick for Spain. Now, with captain Martin Odegaard sidelined by a knee injury, Arteta must decide how to fill the creative void ahead of Saturday’s trip to Fulham.
Odegaard’s absence could extend until October, but unlike last season, Arteta has options. Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri and Merino are all vying to replace the Norwegian. Merino’s two goals for Spain on Tuesday may sway Arteta, but his partnership with Declan Rice as twin number eights has not always clicked, leaving the door open for Eze.
Eze, signed for his versatility, has already played in multiple roles this season—left wing, left number eight and right number eight. His instinct to operate closer to goal and arrive late in the box contrasts with Odegaard’s deeper, dictating style. This season, only Erling Haaland has had more Premier League shots than Eze, suggesting he could add goals to Arsenal’s midfield.
Deploying Eze as a right number eight could see Rice drop deeper alongside Martin Zubimendi, creating space for Eze to thrive. Arteta may also favour Eze due to his happy memories of Craven Cottage, where he scored and assisted in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 FA Cup win in March. Arsenal have not won at Fulham since 2022.
With seven games in 22 days before the next international break, Eze will likely share minutes with Merino and Nwaneri. While Merino’s physicality suits Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, Eze offers a different threat. Arteta has admitted Arsenal can now “change the thinking of the opponent” with varied selections.
