Ian Wright believes Eberechi Eze will be "devastated" after being substituted at half-time during Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

According to a report by Metro on Sunday, 18 October 2026, the former Arsenal striker questioned Eze's underwhelming performance and suggested the £60m summer signing could struggle to establish himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.

Eze was handed his first Premier League start of the season as Arsenal travelled to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest.

However, the England international failed to make a significant impact and was replaced by Noni Madueke at half-time.

Madueke subsequently scored the winning goal in the 80th minute, giving the reigning champions an important victory.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Wright acknowledged that Eze was finding it difficult to adapt to his role in Arteta's team, particularly when deployed on the left rather than in a central position.

"It's very tough for him at the minute," Wright said.

"Eze is more of a movements players, he likes to come in-field but it’s going to be very tough for him to get in the team in those positions. It looks like he’s going to be on the left-hand side but he needs players around him."

Wright believes Eze's preference for operating centrally could be limiting his influence, leaving the midfielder struggling to demonstrate the qualities that made him an attractive signing for Arsenal.

He also urged the 28-year-old to take more risks and attempt to influence matches, even if his place in the starting line-up remains uncertain.

"Looking at the first-half, we started thinking that he would get taken off. I didn’t think it would be at half-time though. He must be devastated," Wright added.

The Arsenal legend also suggested that Eze should focus on making a stronger impression whenever he receives an opportunity, rather than allowing his performances to pass without a significant contribution.