Eberechi Eze was taken off at half-time during the Arsenal vs Brentford 1-1 draw after a quiet first-half display. The decision has raised further questions about the £67.5 million signing, who struggled to make an impact when given the opportunity.
The Gunners were held to a point in a closely fought Premier League contest, with both sides cancelling each other out.
Eze Eberechi was handed a start in midfield but found it difficult to influence the game as Arsenal lacked control in key areas. His performance prompted Mikel Arteta to make a change at the break, with Martin Odegaard introduced to add more creativity and composure.
After the Arsenal vs Brentford match, Arteta spoke to TNT Sports about the substitution, explaining his reasoning and the factors that influenced the decision.
The 27-year-old, making his first Premier League start in two months, struggled to impose himself, while Odegaard’s presence helped Arsenal take the lead shortly after coming on. Brentford, however, quickly responded to level the score, leaving Arsenal to settle for a draw.
Eberechi’s performance has continued a trend of inconsistency since his move from Crystal Palace in August. The midfielder has managed five goals and two assists so far, but much of his impact came in November when he scored a memorable hat-trick against Tottenham in the North London derby. Since then, his form has dropped, raising questions about whether he can regularly make a difference for Arsenal.
Arteta on the Half-Time Change
The Arsenal manager explained that the substitution was purely a tactical decision. He felt the team needed a different approach to cope with Brentford’s pressing.
He said: “Yes, it was a tactical choice. We needed a different profile because of how they were pressing, and we started the second half much better.”
After the break, Arsenal looked more purposeful and improved their control of the ball. The change was designed to give the team more balance in midfield with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka coming on and help them dominate the Arsenal vs Brentford game more effectively.
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The Gunners dropped two important points in the Premier League title race while Manchester City took advantage of the result. Arsenal initially took the lead through Noni Madueke, but Keane Lewis-Potter quickly brought Brentford back on level terms.
Before the match, Arsenal got a boost as captain Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard had all recovered from minor injuries and were included in the squad, with Trossard even starting. Odegaard came on at half-time to replace Eberechi Eze, who had struggled in the first half.
Unfortunately, he soon suffered a painful knee knock while trying to stop Lewis-Potter from attacking the ball. He stayed on the ground for several minutes receiving treatment, leaving Arsenal fans worried about his fitness.
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Odegaard Faces Another Injury Setback
Odegaard managed to finish the Arsenal vs Brentford game, but he struggled to have an impact after his early influence following the substitution.
So far this season, he has already suffered four separate injuries this season, making it a difficult campaign for him. Earlier in the season, he was even taken off in the first half in three straight Premier League games.
Odegaard has scored one goal and made six assists in 26 appearances. He has only started two Champions League matches and 13 Premier League games.
It seems unlikely he will feature in Sunday’s FA Cup game against Wigan Athletic, and his participation in the North London derby on February 22 could also be in doubt.
Focus Turns to the Title Race and FA Cup
Even with the draw, Arsenal remain four points clear at the top of the Premier League. The title race is still close, and Arteta knows his players must stay consistent to keep their advantage.
He said: “We have to give our best in every match, like the other teams. You also need a bit of luck to get the wins week after week.”
Now, attention shifts to the FA Cup, with Arsenal hosting Wigan Athletic at the Emirates. Arteta will be hoping for a strong response after the draw at Brentford, as the season continues to demand focus, discipline, and smart decisions from the bench.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 12.02.2026
