Arsenal’s Attacking Evolution: Can Arteta Unlock the Eze-Odegaard Synergy for Title Contention?
Arsenal’s near misses in recent title races have sparked debate: did they possess the cutting edge to truly capitalize on opportunities? The search for unpredictable firepower led to speculation about a need for a game-changing forward. But Mikel Arteta now faces a different, arguably more exciting, problem – not one exceptional attacker, but two, in Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard, both capable of unlocking defenses in strikingly different ways. The question isn’t just about individual brilliance, but how Arteta orchestrates their combined potential to finally deliver a Premier League trophy.
The Unpredictability Factor: Eze’s Impact
Recent matches have seen Arteta experimenting with both Eze and Odegaard in the crucial attacking midfield role. Eze’s introduction, particularly in the challenging environment of St. James’ Park, immediately injected a dynamism Arsenal had lacked. He troubled Nick Pope with two first-half efforts and delivered a stunning long ball to Bukayo Saka, leading to a controversial disallowed penalty. This wasn’t merely luck; it was a demonstration of a player who, as Arteta himself noted, “does things that, in the book, are unexpected.”
Eze’s ability to create “magic moments” – to turn right when expected to go left, to release the ball with unexpected timing – is a rare commodity. His assist for Gabriel Martinelli against Manchester City last season offered a glimpse of this potential, and Arteta clearly recognizes the value of a player who can “steal the ball in a way that not many players can do.” This unpredictability is a key element in breaking down stubborn defenses, a problem that plagued Arsenal last season.
Odegaard’s Renaissance: A New Dimension to His Game
While Eze’s arrival has been impactful, Odegaard’s response has been equally compelling. Returning to the attacking midfield role against Olympiakos, the Arsenal captain played a pivotal role in both goals, including a crucial assist for Saka. Like Eze, he also had opportunities to score, denied only by resolute defending. Arteta’s description of Odegaard mirrors that of Eze: a player with a natural “creativity” and an ability to “generate things that not a lot of players can do.”
Interestingly, Eze’s influence appears to be rubbing off on Odegaard. A long-standing criticism of the Norwegian has been his reluctance to shoot from the edge of the box, preferring instead to take extra touches. Against Olympiakos, however, we saw a different Odegaard – an “Eze-like” Odegaard – taking more shots and displaying a greater willingness to test the goalkeeper. This shift in approach could unlock another layer of attacking threat.
Unlocking Gyokeres: The Service Question
The impact of these creative midfielders extends beyond goalscoring opportunities for themselves. Both Eze and Odegaard have demonstrably improved the service to Viktor Gyokeres, a striker whose output in big games has been questioned. Jamie Carragher highlighted Arsenal’s previous struggles to create chances for Gyokeres, noting he hadn’t had a single shot in three crucial matches against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City. However, with Eze in the lineup, Gyokeres registered six shots against Newcastle, demonstrating the direct correlation between creative midfield play and forward opportunities.
This raises a critical question: who best unlocks Gyokeres’ potential? The answer may lie in finding the optimal balance between Eze and Odegaard, and how they are deployed.
The Tactical Conundrum: Finding the Right Balance
Playing both Eze and Odegaard in midfield would create a highly attacking setup, a departure from Arteta’s previously more cautious approach. It would also necessitate leaving out either Martin Zubimendi or Declan Rice, both vital for providing defensive stability. While Eze can play on the left wing, early indications suggest his impact is greater when operating centrally. However, he did provide an assist for Gyokeres while playing as a left winger against Nottingham Forest, proving his versatility.
The key to unlocking Arsenal’s full potential may lie in addressing a recurring issue from last season: drawing too many games. The Gunners drew 14 Premier League matches, often settling for 1-1 scorelines against mid-table opposition. The prospect of fielding a front four of Saka, Odegaard, Eze, and Gyokeres, supported by the likes of Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, could provide the firepower needed to break down stubborn defenses and secure crucial second goals.
Beyond Individual Brilliance: A Systemic Shift
The emergence of Eze and the evolution of Odegaard aren’t simply about adding individual talent; they represent a potential systemic shift for Arsenal. Arteta is clearly experimenting with a more fluid, unpredictable attacking approach, one that prioritizes creativity and directness. The challenge now is to integrate these players effectively, finding the right tactical balance to maximize their combined impact. The question is no longer whether Arsenal have the firepower, but how Arteta chooses to deploy it. The upcoming match against West Ham will be a crucial test of this evolving attacking philosophy.
What are your predictions for Arsenal’s attacking setup this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
