Eberechi Eze decision raises Alan Shearer eyebrow as Ian Wright also questions Mikel Arteta

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Eberechi Eze's omission from Arsenal's starting XI against Liverpool surprised a few people(Image: Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta's call to start Eberechi Eze on the bench in Arsenal's clash with Liverpool left many scratching their heads.

The 27-year-old, who arrived from Crystal Palace this summer, found himself among the substitutes as the Gunners suffered a 1-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday.

He entered the fray in the 70th minute but couldn't stop Liverpool claiming victory through Dominik Szoboszlai's spectacular free-kick.



"I was surprised with Arsenal not [starting] Eze," Shearer said on The Rest Is Football podcast.

READ MORE:I managed Eberechi Eze and this is why he'll take Arsenal and the World Cup by stormREAD MORE:Arsenal news: Granit Xhaka's role in transfer emerges as Mikel Arteta comes under fire

"I thought they'd ease him in," Gary Lineker responded, prompting Shearer to fire back: "Why would they need to ease him in?

He was a bit of a threat."

Eze joined Arsenal last month in a £60million transfer, potentially rising to £67.5m, after the Gunners hijacked Tottenham's pursuit of the England international.

A lifelong Arsenal supporter, Eze had a stint in the club's youth system as a youngster before spells at Fulham, Millwall and QPR, where he launched his professional career.

He is amongst three offensive additions secured by Arsenal this summer, alongside Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke – both of whom started on Sunday.

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Arsenal now sit in third position in the Premier League following victories in two of their opening three fixtures.

They're set to face Nottingham Forest at home next, before kicking off their Champions League journey away to Athletic Bilbao.

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Eze will be in line to make his Champions League debut, and after the debate surrounding his omission at Anfield, all eyes will be on whether Arteta unleashes his £60m signing from the start.

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