Tactical Frustration: Arteta's Missed Opportunity With Eze in Arsenal's Clash Against Manchester City

Fans and pundits have zeroed in on Mikel Arteta’s in-game management after Arsenal’s recent draw with Manchester City. A trending criticism is his decision not to move Eberechi Eze to the left flank during the match, particularly as Leandro Trossard struggled to make an impact in numerous 1v1 situations. Many believe that Eze’s technical prowess could have capitalized on these moments better. This has sparked a debate regarding Arteta’s tactical flexibility and the need for a quick solution to replicate Arsenal’s attacking balance in high-stakes games.

The debate originated from a tweet by @EBL2017, who highlighted Arteta’s failure to adjust in-game by moving Eze wide. Popular Arsenal fan accounts and real-time commentary on Twitter amplified the discussion, especially after Trossard’s ineffectiveness became a focal point. The only other notable comment under the tweet came from a Saka fan account and an unrelated promotional message. Recent match statistics also showed Trossard’s lack of successful take-ons, fueling the narrative.

Reflecting on Arsenal-City, a criticism we can point at Arteta is failing to shift Eze to the left at some stage. Trossard received in countless 1v1 situations but failed to make anything of those moments. Eze, in all likelihood, would have. Arteta needs to find balance quick.

@EBL2017

Impact Analysis

Arteta’s reluctance to shift his attacking setup during the high-profile clash against Manchester City has deeper repercussions than a simple misstep; it points to a growing tactical inertia within Arsenal. Fans expecting dynamic adjustments were left disappointed, particularly because Eze—known for his direct dribbling and ability to create from wide areas—remained underutilised. The missed opportunities by Trossard, now statistically among Arsenal’s least efficient offensive players since New Year, exacerbated the frustration.

If such tactical rigidity persists, Arsenal risk being overtaken by their Premier League rivals not only in creativity but also in adaptability, a vital trait in tight title races. The squad depth is no longer enough; Arteta must demonstrate that he can maximize each player's strengths in real time. This incident also sends a signal to potential transfer targets about the limited flexibility within the current system, possibly impacting Arsenal’s summer recruitment ambitions and their championship credentials for the remainder of the season.

Reaction

Arsenal’s worldwide fanbase erupted on social media, with many echoing @EBL2017’s sentiment that Arteta’s tactical miscalculation cost the team three points. Some, like @GoatBukayoSaka7, showed skepticism over Arteta’s willingness to change, while others demanded immediate accountability and flexibility from the head coach. Common refrains included frustration over Trossard’s recurring inability to influence matches and pleas for Eze to be thrust into a more prominent role.

Opposition fans, meanwhile, mocked Arsenal’s "predictable" approach, while a minority clung to the belief that Arteta’s conservative philosophy at times preserves defensive solidity. Memes and critical threads proliferated, suggesting if Arteta doesn’t "find balance quick," Arsenal’s season might unravel. There is a clear division between loyalists defending Arteta and pragmatists calling for urgent change—yet the consensus is mounting pressure for a new, more fluid attacking blueprint involving stars like Eze.

Social reactions

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Israel Democracy Institute (@IDIisrael)

How long do we have to wait for him to find this balance? Anyways, I will just be watching

Henrysmiles Edeh (@Henrysmilesedeh)

He needs to be sacked quick. Can't be struggling to find balance when Eze and Gyökeres are there.

Tony⚫️(TheBlackHand)🟡 (@TeeStride)

Prediction

Given the volatile mood amongst fans and the wider footballing community, it’s almost certain Arteta will be forced to revisit his tactical set-ups in upcoming fixtures. Expect Eze, who has shown flashes of brilliance since joining Arsenal (especially with his dribbling and incisive passing), to be either integrated as a left-sided attacker or given greater positional freedom to impact the game.

Should Arteta remain rigid, another insipid attacking performance could ignite calls for drastic managerial reconsiderations, and see Trossard benched for the foreseeable future. Transfer rumors may heat up with Arsenal potentially in the market for an additional winger who fits the profile of a versatile, direct attacker. Conversely, a quick tactical adjustment could restore faith, tip momentum back in Arsenal’s favor, and re-establish Arteta as a modern, flexible tactician capable of outwitting the Premier League’s elite.

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Conclusion

The fallout from Arsenal’s inability to defeat Manchester City has crystallized broader anxieties over Mikel Arteta’s tactical instincts. While his project has elevated Arsenal to Champions League regulars and perennial title contenders, there are growing questions about whether he can decisively outmaneuver top-tier opposition in crunch situations.

The specific critique—refusing to move Eze left while Trossard faltered—epitomizes a larger frustration: talented players are perhaps being shackled by overly cautious in-game management. Arteta must heed these warnings. The time for sticking with safe, predictable systems has passed if Arsenal are to fulfill their ambitions and keep their restless fanbase onside. Eze offers an obvious and compelling solution—Arteta just needs to take it.