Alan Shearer Claims Arsenal Looked ‘Better’ Without £67.5m Signing

Alan Shearer questions Eberechi Eze form as Arsenal improve after his substitution against Brentford.

Concerns around Eberechi Eze form have intensified after Alan Shearer claimed Arsenal looked more effective without the £67.5m signing during their 1–1 draw with Brentford.

The former England striker delivered his verdict following the Premier League clash at the Gtech Community Stadium, where substituted Eze at half-time. Shortly after, Arsenal’s tempo increased, and their attacking structure looked sharper.

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Shearer’s comments immediately triggered debate among supporters and analysts, especially given the scale of Arsenal’s investment in the former star.

Eze arrived at Arsenal last summer for a reported £67.5m, beating competition from for his signature. The move created huge excitement, especially after his sensational hat-trick in the North London derby.

However, momentum has faded. Since that explosive start, his output has dropped, and consistent starts have become rare. The Brentford fixture marked his first league start since mid-December.

As expectations rose, pressure followed. That pressure now looks visible in his performances.

Brentford Match Turning Point

Arsenal struggled for rhythm in the first half against Brentford. Their pressing lacked cohesion, and creativity in central areas looked limited.

After the break, Arteta introduced Martin Odegaard. The impact was immediate. Arsenal played quicker, moved the ball with more purpose, and created sustained pressure.

Speaking on Betfair, Shearer said Arsenal “got better” after Eze’s withdrawal and looked more dangerous in advanced areas.

Arteta later defended the decision as tactical rather than personal. He explained that Arsenal needed a different midfield profile to break Brentford’s press and create space between the lines.

The manager also stressed adaptation challenges for new signings, particularly creative players adjusting to Arsenal’s structure, pressing demands, and positional discipline.

What It Means for Arsenal

This situation now places Eze at a crossroads. Arsenal remain in a title race, and selection decisions will be driven by performance, not reputation or transfer fees.

For Arteta, the focus is balance. Control, structure, and tempo now matter more than individual flair.

For Eze, the task is simple but demanding: adapt quickly, regain confidence, and force his way back into the starting XI.

Shearer’s comments may sound harsh, but they reflect elite-level reality. At the top of the Premier League, influence matters more than potential.

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