Arteta reveals how he cheered up 'grumpy' Eze before Bayern goal
Mikel Arteta has revealed he made a point of cheering up Eberechi Eze before sending him on against Bayern Munich, with the forward responding by scoring after coming off the bench on Wednesday night.
Speaking to the BBC, Arteta described Eze as 'grumpy' in the build up to his introduction, and explained how he worked to lift his mood before the midfielder made an instant impact on the game.
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Eze's goal came as a crucial contribution in a high profile Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, with his cameo from the bench underlining the role Arsenal's squad depth has played in matches against top level opposition this season.
A lighter touch from Arteta
Arteta is known for his meticulous approach to man management, and the anecdote about Eze offers a glimpse into how he handles players' emotions before they are introduced in big matches. Getting a substitute into the right frame of mind can often be the difference between a positive impact and a flat cameo, and in this case the approach appeared to pay off almost immediately.
Eze has increasingly looked like a player capable of changing games when called upon, and his willingness to respond so quickly after coming on will be a welcome sign for Arteta as he continues to rotate his attacking options through a congested fixture schedule.
Concern over Saka's fitness
The same BBC report carries a far more significant concern for Arsenal supporters, with fears growing that Bukayo Saka could be out for as long as two months. No further detail on the nature of the injury or a confirmed return date was provided in the report, but the timeframe being discussed would represent a significant blow given Saka's importance to Arteta's side in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Saka has been one of Arsenal's most consistent performers in recent seasons, and any lengthy spell on the sidelines would force Arteta to lean further on squad options such as Eze to fill the attacking void. The club has not yet confirmed further specifics, and more clarity is likely to emerge as the medical situation develops.
For now, Arsenal fans are left balancing two very different stories from the same week: a lighthearted insight into Arteta's man management with Eze, and a far more serious fitness concern surrounding one of the club's most important players. As the picture around Saka's injury becomes clearer, Arteta's ability to manage his squad's mood and output, as shown with Eze, may prove just as valuable as ever.
