Ray Parlour Backs Eberechi Eze for Arsenal Starting Role Against Chelsea
Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour has made a bold prediction ahead of this weekend's highly anticipated Premier League showdown, suggesting that manager Mikel Arteta will opt to start Eberechi Eze over club captain Martin Odegaard in the midfield. Parlour, a three-time Premier League champion with the Gunners, believes Eze's recent performance and positive attitude will earn him the nod in a critical match against Chelsea.
Eze's Impact and Recent Form
Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace last summer for a reported £60 million, has made a significant impact in key fixtures. In last Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham, Eze scored twice, helping Arsenal secure a vital victory. This follows a hat-trick he netted in the reverse fixture in November, meaning five of his seven goals for the club have come against their arch-rivals. However, his season has not been without challenges, as he experienced a period of limited playing time between these standout performances.
During a lull in December, Eze was substituted at half-time against Aston Villa and started only two of Arsenal's next 11 league matches, failing to complete more than 60 minutes in either game. Despite this, Parlour praised Eze's resilience, noting that he maintained a strong work ethic in training without showing frustration, which has likely impressed Arteta.
Odegaard's Injury Struggles and Future Uncertainty
Martin Odegaard, the Arsenal captain, has faced a difficult season marred by various injury issues that have reduced his influence on the pitch. Recently, he returned to the bench after missing two games due to a knock, and there have been speculations about his long-term future at the club. Parlour acknowledged Odegaard's quality, describing him as "different class" on his day, but highlighted that his fitness concerns have opened the door for Eze to seize the opportunity.
Arteta's Midfield Dilemma and Parlour's Analysis
Mikel Arteta's primary decision ahead of the Chelsea match revolves around the midfield composition, with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice expected to start. Parlour emphasized that Chelsea's strong midfield, featuring players like Palmer, Caicedo, and Fernandez, presents a tough challenge, making team selection crucial. He stated that while momentum is key in a title race, Arteta will assess training performances this week, but ultimately, Eze's recent contributions and attitude might secure his place.
Parlour concluded by stressing the importance of fielding the best team when competing for the title, but he leaned towards Eze retaining his starting role based on current form and dedication. This prediction adds intrigue to the buildup of the Arsenal vs Chelsea fixture, as fans and analysts watch to see how Arteta navigates this selection headache.
