Alan Shearer Criticizes Eberechi Eze Display as Arsenal Drop Points to Brentford

‎Premier League icon Alan Shearer has suggested that Arsenal attacker Eberechi Eze appeared disoriented during the 1-1 stalemate against Brentford, a result that slowed Mikel Arteta’s team in the title chase. Meanwhile, Manchester City have increased pressure after reducing Arsenal’s lead at the summit to four points.

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‎Alan Shearer criticizes Eberechi Eze’s performance in Arsenal’s draw with Brentford while Manchester City close the Premier League title gap. Full match analysis, squad concerns, and title race insight.

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‎Eze had made a bright start to life at Arsenal, highlighted by a hat-trick performance against Tottenham Hotspur in a north London derby victory. Despite that explosive beginning, the England international — linked to the England national football team — has struggled for consistency at the Emirates. The Brentford match marked his first league start since December 13.

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‎His outing lasted just 45 minutes, with the game still scoreless when he was substituted at half-time. The visitors later took the lead through Noni Madueke, but Keane Lewis-Potter equalized to secure a valuable point for Brentford under coach Keith Andrews.

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‎Former Newcastle United forward Shearer, speaking via Betfair, voiced concern about Eze’s recent displays. He warned the ex-Crystal Palace playmaker could miss out on international selection if his playing time remains limited.

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‎Shearer remarked that Eze looked uncertain against Brentford and noted that Arsenal improved after his substitution, applying more attacking pressure and eventually scoring. He added Brentford deserved at least a draw from the contest.

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‎The former striker stressed that limited starting opportunities since mid-December could harm Eze’s chances of national team selection if the trend continues.

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‎Elsewhere in the title race, City narrowed the gap with a victory over Fulham, with goals coming from Antoine Semenyo, Nico O'Reilly, and Erling Haaland. Despite City’s form, Shearer still believes Arsenal are well placed to chase their first league crown since the 2003-04 campaign.

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‎He highlighted City’s impressive defensive intensity and attacking quality, noting how their experience — particularly under Pep Guardiola — makes them dangerous in the closing stages of a title race.

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‎Shearer emphasized that winning the league rarely happens comfortably, pointing to last season when Liverpool managed it. He believes Arsenal’s hunger means they will likely need to grind through a difficult run to secure success.

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‎While he stopped short of saying Arsenal show weaknesses, Shearer suggested City’s strong form could see them build serious momentum soon. He also praised Brentford’s physical strength, tactical organization, and set-piece threat, highlighting attacking talents such as Igor Thiago and Ouattara.

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‎Looking ahead, both teams switch focus to the FA Cup this weekend. City face Salford City, while Arsenal host Wigan Athletic, winners of the competition in 2013.