Mikel Arteta explains Eberechi Eze substitution as Arsenal star spurns opportunity

No10 was hardly involved in narrow Arsenal victory

By Matt Verri · Standard (EPL)

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 6:24 PM

Key Things to Know

Mikel Arteta explained substituting Eberechi Eze at halftime due to tactical reasons against Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 thanks to a late deflected strike from substitute Noni Madueke.
Eze failed to record a shot, successful dribble, or created chance during his 45 minutes on the pitch.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained that tactical needs prompted his decision to substitute Eberechi Eze at halftime during a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest. Eze started on the left wing but struggled to make an impact, failing to record a shot, a successful dribble, or create a chance against Forest's compact defensive structure.

Replacement Noni Madueke scored the winning goal via a deflected strike with ten minutes remaining. Arteta defended Eze by citing his midweek Champions League goal against Lille, explaining that tactical changes and fresh profiles were necessary to break down Forest's defensive block.

Read the full article on Standard (EPL)

Mikel Arteta explains Eberechi Eze substitution as Arsenal star spurns opportunity

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