Overview

• Eberechi Eze was left out of Arsenal’s starting XI against Manchester City as Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino were preferred, with Bukayo Saka not fit to start.
• Introduced at half-time alongside Saka, Eze set up Gabriel Martinelli’s 93rd-minute equaliser to secure a draw at the Emirates.
• Mikel Arteta said he anticipated a long match and needed “finishers,” adding Eze was likely disappointed not to start but made a major impact.
• Asked about Eze’s role, Arteta stated he views him as a central player and used him in that position, noting he also operated slightly to the right at times.
• Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville and Roy Keane criticised the initial selection, while Micah Richards suggested Eze’s recent defensive lapses against Athletic Club may have influenced the decision.