BBC pundit shares why he’s ‘disappointed’ with one Arsenal player after what he did vs Portsmouth

Former BBC pundit and ex-Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has admitted he was disappointed with the performance of Eberechi Eze during Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup.

Schwarzer, speaking in his role as a pundit, expected Eze to take far greater control of the game and showcase the creative quality that prompted Arsenal to sign him, especially against lower-league opposition. Instead, he felt the attacking midfielder drifted in and out of the contest, failing to consistently influence proceedings in the final third or stamp his authority on a tie that should have suited his strengths.

According to Schwarzer, Eze showed flashes of his talent but lacked the urgency, intensity, and end product required to truly justify his selection in a strong Arsenal side. The pundit suggested that on a day when others seized their opportunity to impress Mikel Arteta, Eze did not do enough without the ball or with it, often playing within himself rather than taking risks or driving at defenders as he is capable of doing.

Schwarzer’s comments underline a broader concern: matches like the Portsmouth fixture are precisely the kind of occasions where squad players and new signings are expected to make a compelling case for more regular minutes. In his view, Eze missed a chance to send a clear message to Arteta that he should be a guaranteed starter in the Premier League.

Even though Arsenal ran out comfortable winners, Schwarzer’s assessment serves as a reminder that individual standards remain high at the club. While he did not write Eze off, he implied that the midfielder will need to raise his level, show more consistency, and deliver bigger performances if he is to become a key figure in Arteta’s plans going forward.