Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao in their opening match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign, but the performance of summer signing Eberechi Eze has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike. The 27-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Crystal Palace for a hefty £60 million in the final days of the 2025 summer transfer window, struggled to make an impact in Spain, drawing sharp criticism from former Liverpool and Real Madrid star Steve McManaman.
Eze, who made his Arsenal debut as a substitute against Liverpool and started in the subsequent match against Nottingham Forest, was handed a starting role in the Champions League clash. While he shone in the domestic fixture against Forest, his performance against Bilbao was lackluster, failing to influence the game as expected. Substituted after 70 minutes with the score still at 0-0, Eze watched from the bench as replacements Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli scored the goals that sealed Arsenal’s victory.
Speaking on TNT Sports, McManaman did not hold back in his assessment of Eze’s display. “Martinelli did more in five minutes than Eze managed in 70,” he remarked. “Eze will look back at that performance tonight. He’s playing for Arsenal now, a team competing for major trophies, and his level needs to step up. This is the Champions League—if he wants to secure a starting spot, he has to be quicker, sharper, and better than what he showed tonight.”
The criticism has resonated with some Arsenal fans, who took to social media to express their disappointment. Many expected Eze to bring flair and creativity to the squad, but his quiet outing in Bilbao has raised questions about his ability to adapt to the demands of a club vying for top honors.
Part of Eze’s struggles may stem from his positioning on the pitch. Deployed on the left wing, a role less suited to his natural game, Eze appeared out of his element. At Crystal Palace, he thrived as a No. 10, where his vision, dribbling, and ability to unlock defenses were on full display. However, in the Bilbao match, manager Mikel Arteta opted for a midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino, leaving no room for a traditional playmaker.
With club captain Martin Ødegaard sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Eze could have an opportunity to stake a claim for the No. 10 role in upcoming Premier League matches. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the former Palace star can rediscover his form in a more central position, where his creativity could shine.
The reaction from Arsenal supporters has been mixed. Some have defended Eze, arguing that he needs time to adjust to the tactical complexities of Arteta’s system and the heightened expectations at a club like Arsenal. “He’s only just arrived,” one fan posted on X. “Give him a break—he’ll come good in the right role.” Others, however, echoed McManaman’s sentiments, with one supporter commenting, “Eze looked lost out there. For £60m, we need more than that.”
The pressure is now on Eze to prove his worth as Arsenal continue their campaign on multiple fronts. With Ødegaard’s absence providing a potential opening, the coming weeks could be pivotal for the 27-year-old to silence his critics and show why Arsenal invested so heavily in him.
As Arsenal prepare for their next fixtures, Arteta faces the challenge of integrating his new signings while maintaining the team’s competitive edge. Eze’s ability to adapt to the demands of Champions League football and find his best position within the squad will be crucial. For now, the Bilbao victory is a positive step, but the spotlight remains firmly on Eze to deliver performances that match his price tag and potential.