According to a report by Football London on Saturday October 17, 2026, Tom Cairney has praised Mikel Arteta for transforming Eberechi Eze’s defensive work at Arsenal, admitting the midfielder’s improved work rate surprised him after facing the Gunners in recent Premier League encounters.

Arteta demands pressing, defensive discipline and commitment from every player, qualities that make Arsenal difficult opponents. Fulham midfielder Cairney discussed their strength on Marc White Fixes Football, highlighting their impressive squad depth and tactical flexibility.

“They can out-football you or they can beat you up,” Cairney explained. He believes Arsenal are favourites for the Premier League title, adding, “Right now, it’s theirs to lose, in my opinion,” because their substitutes include regular starters.

Cairney particularly highlighted Eze’s defensive contribution, revealing how closely the Arsenal attacker tracked him during their previous encounter. His comments underline the significant changes Arteta has introduced since Eze’s £65million move from Crystal Palace last year.

“Even Eze, like he was around me like a rash,” Cairney recalled. “You weren’t like this at Palace. So how’s the gaffer got you doing this?” His reaction emphasises Eze’s development under Arteta’s demanding system.

At Palace, Eze was a central attacking figure, but Arsenal require him to contribute consistently without possession. His willingness to track opponents and support defensive duties has evidently impressed rival players.

Attention now turns to whether Eze will start against Nottingham Forest, with Christos Tzolis unavailable through injury and competition for the left-wing position remaining open ahead of Sunday’s Premier League encounter.

Noni Madueke started on the left against Leeds United, while Eze remained an unused substitute. However, Eze subsequently started against Lille in the Champions League, scoring his first goal of the season from Bukayo Saka’s second-half cross.

Arteta has indicated Madueke will receive more minutes in upcoming matches, leaving the selection decision unresolved. Nevertheless, Eze’s performance against Lille strengthens his argument for retaining a starting position when Arsenal visit the City Ground.