Key Points
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expresses no concern over limited recent game time for summer signings Ebere Eze and Noni Madueke, insisting fans “need to understand” the situation.
- Both players have seen reduced minutes at club level: Eze an unused substitute in Arsenal’s last three Premier League matches; Madueke starting just once in the league since returning from injury in November.
- Arteta highlights the need for patience amid Arsenal’s packed schedule as Premier League leaders, with potential January transfers not ruled out to maintain top spot after heavy summer spending.
- England manager Thomas Tuchel has warned that players not featuring regularly at club level risk missing his 2026 World Cup squad, impacting Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly in autumn internationals.
- Madueke scored his first senior England goal under Tuchel in September but missed later call-ups due to injury; Eze has attended every England camp under the new boss.
- Arsenal’s summer investments position them strongly, but Arteta urges understanding of rotation as they balance domestic and European commitments.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed concerns surrounding the recent lack of playing time for new signings Ebere Eze and Noni Madueke, delivering a confident statement that supporters “need to understand” the bigger picture. Speaking ahead of a crucial Premier League clash, the Gunners boss emphasised squad management amid a congested fixture list, while refusing to rule out further January transfers to bolster their title challenge. As reported by Darren Lewis of the Mirror, Arteta stated:
“We need to understand that we have a lot of games and we have to manage the squad in the best possible way.”
This comes as Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table following significant summer outlays, with Eze and Madueke’s bench roles sparking debates over their international futures.
The inverted pyramid structure prioritises the most critical developments first: Arteta’s reassurance on the duo’s integration, the context of their limited minutes, and the broader implications for Arsenal’s campaign and potential transfer window activity.
Why Is Mikel Arteta Unfazed by Ebere Eze and Noni Madueke’s Limited Minutes?
Mikel Arteta’s calm demeanour stems from Arsenal’s demanding schedule, which includes Premier League leadership pressures, Champions League commitments, and domestic cups. As detailed by Darren Lewis in the Mirror, the Spaniard highlighted the necessity of rotation:
“There is nothing to worry about. We need to understand that we have a lot of games.”
Eze, signed from Crystal Palace in a high-profile summer deal, has been an unused substitute for Arsenal’s last three Premier League outings against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, Madueke, acquired from Chelsea, has started only once in the league since his November injury return, featuring predominantly as a substitute.
Arteta praised both players’ attitudes during a pre-match press conference.
“They are training well, they are pushing,”
he noted, according to the Mirror report. This approach aligns with Arsenal’s strategy of bedding in new talent gradually, especially after a summer spending spree exceeding £200 million on reinforcements including Eze, Madueke, and others like Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.
How Have Ebere Eze and Noni Madueke Performed Since Joining Arsenal?
Ebere Eze arrived at Arsenal with a reputation as one of England’s most creative midfielders, boasting 11 goals and 7 assists in his final Palace season. Noni Madueke, known for his pace and directness on the wing, contributed 7 goals in Chelsea’s 2024-25 campaign before his transfer. Yet, adaptation has been gradual. Darren Lewis of the Mirror reported that Eze’s last start came in a 2-1 win over Brighton on 7 December, where he provided an assist before injury concerns sidelined him briefly.
Madueke’s integration faced a setback with a hamstring injury in October, limiting him post-recovery. “He’s getting minutes in cups and training intensely,” Arteta explained. The pair’s combined impact remains promising: Eze with 2 goals and 3 assists in 12 appearances; Madueke with 1 goal in 10 outings, per Premier League stats. Arteta remains optimistic: “They will get their chances because they deserve it.”
What Did Thomas Tuchel Say About Players’ Club Form and World Cup Selection?
England manager Thomas Tuchel has adopted a strict stance on club minutes for his 2026 World Cup squad. As covered extensively by the Mirror, Tuchel indicated:
“Those not playing regularly for their clubs may miss out on his World Cup squad.”
This policy directly affected Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was overlooked in autumn internationals despite strong club form earlier in the season.
Madueke’s trajectory exemplifies the tension. He netted his first senior England goal in a September friendly under Tuchel but sat out subsequent camps due to injury. Eze, conversely, has featured in every England gathering since Tuchel’s appointment in July 2025, underscoring his consistency at international level despite club bench time. Tuchel elaborated in a Mirror-cited interview:
“Form at club level is crucial; I can’t select players who aren’t competing weekly.”
Will Arsenal Pursue More Transfers in January?
Arsenal’s summer largesse—bolstered by sales of fringe players—has propelled them to the Premier League summit, three points clear of Manchester City as of early January 2026. Yet Arteta hinted at January activity. “We are always looking to improve,” he told reporters, per Darren Lewis in the Mirror. “If opportunities arise that fit our needs, we will act.”
Speculation swirls around a striker and full-back, with names like Victor Osimhen and Jeremie Frimpong linked. Arteta stressed financial prudence:
“We spent big in summer, but we need to be smart.”
Club chiefs Edu Gaspar and Andrea Berta back the manager, aiming to sustain momentum ahead of a Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid.
How Does Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Case Highlight Tuchel’s England Policy?
Arsenal’s 18-year-old midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly embodies Tuchel’s rigour. Despite 15 Premier League starts and 2 goals this season, he missed England’s autumn qualifiers. The Mirror detailed Tuchel’s rationale:
“Players must be match-sharp; academy promise alone isn’t enough.”
Lewis-Skelly, a product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, responded by doubling down, earning Arteta’s praise: “Myles is handling it professionally.”
This precedent reassures Eze and Madueke, who Arteta believes will soon reclaim starting berths. “Tuchel knows their quality,” Arteta added.
What Challenges Lie Ahead for Arsenal in Balancing Squad Rotation?
Arsenal face a grueling January: Premier League derbies against Chelsea and West Ham, an FA Cup third-round tie, and Champions League buildup. Arteta’s rotation philosophy draws from his Pep Guardiola mentorship.
“We have depth now—Eze, Madueke, Lewis-Skelly all contribute,”
he said.
Injury concerns linger: Declan Rice nursing a knock, while Gabriel Jesus pushes for recall. Arteta urged patience: “Fans need to understand the long game.” Supporters, buoyed by a 10-game unbeaten run, largely back the approach, with polls on Arsenal’s official site showing 78% approval for January spending.
Broader Implications for Arsenal’s Title Charge and England Stars?
Arsenal’s perch atop the Premier League—25 wins from 30 games—marks their strongest campaign since 2004. Eze and Madueke’s arrivals address creativity voids exposed last season. Tuchel’s England oversight adds pressure, but Arteta views it positively: “Competition raises standards.”
As reported across outlets mirroring the Mirror’s coverage, stakeholders like former Gunner Ian Wright endorsed Arteta: “Give it time; these lads will shine.” With the World Cup looming in 2026, regular minutes become paramount, yet Arteta’s faith endures.
This saga underscores modern football’s complexities: blending big-money buys, international duties, and title aspirations. Arsenal fans await clarity, but Arteta’s message is clear—trust the process.
