Three Things We Learned from Arsenal's Draw: Eberechi Eze's Missed Opportunity
Mikel Arteta's praise for Brentford this week, both on and off the pitch, was well-deserved, as the match showcased their resilience. Noni Madueke's header put Arsenal ahead, but Lewis-Potter's equalizing goal earned Brentford a hard-fought point.
The title race remains in Arsenal's grasp, but their recent performance has raised concerns. They've struggled to maintain momentum, allowing Manchester City to close the gap. This is a stark contrast to their earlier dominance.
Arsenal's inability to capitalize on their lead has become a recurring theme. After dropping points in the last three matches following City's wins, they now find themselves in a tight race. Noni Madueke's goal was canceled out, and Arsenal couldn't secure the win.
Despite their strong squad, Arsenal's performance in the first half was underwhelming. They had just one shot, a blocked header, and failed to assert their dominance. The second half saw an improvement, with Madueke's header giving them the lead, but they couldn't hold on.
Key absences were felt, particularly those of Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus. These players are crucial for late game-changing moments and providing the link between midfield and attack. Arteta's decision to leave them out, even with the game tied, raised questions.
Eberechi Eze's start was a rare opportunity, but he struggled to make an impact. His half-time substitution suggests he may face a long wait for another start, despite his recent lack of playing time.
The draw leaves Arsenal with only four points, and their trip to the Etihad Stadium looms large. The team's recent form and missed opportunities have raised concerns about their title challenge.
