Eberechi Eze shines in Arsenal No 10 role, scoring his first goal for the Gunners and leaving Arteta with a selection dilemma

Eberechi Eze made a convincing case for Arsenal’s No 10 role after scoring his first goal for the club in a routine midweek win over Port Vale.

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The 27-year-old summer signing from Crystal Palace finally got his chance in his natural central position and delivered a commanding performance. Floating between the lines, pressing defenders and linking play, Eze controlled much of Arsenal’s first half dominance.

His breakthrough came via a flowing team move: Gabriel Martinelli’s cross was deftly flicked on by Myles Lewis-Skelly into Eze’s path, and the midfielder calmly slotted home.

Beyond the goal, he impressed with skillful touches and relentless midfield energy, keeping Port Vale’s defence under constant pressure.

The display has sparked debate among pundits and fans alike. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has already suggested Eze deserves to start centrally ahead of summer recruit Mikel Merino, particularly after his omission from the XI against Manchester City.

Manager Mikel Arteta praised Eze but urged patience: “He played very sensibly, was very capable. He needs to play more times with those guys to understand the timings and actions so he will be more consistent and successful with us.”

With captain Martin Ødegaard returning from injury, Arteta now faces a welcome selection headache ahead of Sunday’s trip to Newcastle.

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For now, however, Eze has reminded the Emirates faithful why Arsenal invested in his creativity and given his coach a reason to rethink his midfield plans.