EPL: Michael Owen, Martin Keown name Arsenal player Arteta should drop against Chelsea

Former England internationals Michael Owen and Martin Keown have advised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to drop new signing Christos Tzolis for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea.

The former players believe Eberechi Eze made a bigger impact than Tzolis during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Aston Villa and deserves to start against Chelsea.

Tzolis, who joined Arsenal from Club Brugge for £34 million this summer, struggled to influence the game during the first half as he faced a difficult battle against Aston Villa defender Matty Cash.

Arteta later introduced Eze as a substitute, with the England international immediately providing more attacking energy on the left side. Eze also played a key role in the winning goal by delivering a precise pass to Riccardo Calafiori, who crossed for Bukayo Saka to score.

Owen said on Premier League Productions: “It will be intriguing to see if Eze retains his position against Chelsea this weekend. I would suggest he might.

“He certainly contributed more than Tzolis in today’s match, so I believe he could be in line for a starting role against Chelsea in what promises to be an exciting game to kick off the season.”

Keown also praised Eze’s impact, describing his introduction as a significant improvement for Arsenal on the left wing.

He said: “Without a doubt, [Eze’s entry was significant]. You need players you can rely on.

“With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard departing the club from that left side, Christos Tzolis has come in.

“Not nearly the performance from him [Tzolis] that we saw in the first match [against Coventry], but Eze gives you that option on the left-hand side.”

ALSO READ

• Transfer: Arsenal Star Set To Leave Mikel Arteta’s Squad After Community Shield Disappointment
• EPL table: Saka nets winner as Arsenal go joint-top with Man City

Arsenal will now turn their attention to Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, with Arteta facing a decision over whether to restore Tzolis to the starting XI or give Eze an opportunity to continue from the beginning.