Theo Walcott Urges Mikel Arteta to Start Eze After Liverpool Defeat

Theo Walcott urges Mikel Arteta to start Eze after Liverpool defeat. Former winger says midfielder can reignite Arsenal’s title hopes.

Theo Walcott urges Mikel Arteta to rethink his lineup following Arsenal’s 1–0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield. The former winger believes new signing Eberechi Eze deserves a starting role to reignite Arsenal’s title challenge.

Speaking on the It’s Called Soccer podcast, Walcott praised Eze’s brief cameo.

“Eze did so much more with his first two touches than Martinelli did all game,” he said.

Walcott believes Eze brings creativity and urgency—qualities Arsenal lacked during the match.

Arteta’s Tactical Choices Face Criticism

Arteta benched Eze despite his £68 million move from Crystal Palace. He introduced the midfielder late in the game, a decision Walcott questioned. The former Arsenal star believes the team missed a chance to exploit Liverpool’s weakened defense.

Walcott also criticized Gabriel Martinelli’s performance, noting his failure to challenge Dominic Szoboszlai at left-back.

“Szoboszlai wasn’t tested once,” Walcott said. “You have a central midfielder at full-back—that would be music to my ears.”

With the international break approaching, Arteta has time to reassess his strategy. Fans and pundits are calling for Eze to start in the next match. Walcott insists that Eze can transform Arsenal’s attack and restore momentum.

Walcott urges Mikel Arteta to unleash Eze, believing the midfielder can be a gamechanger.

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