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Eberechi Eze takes just 15 minutes to shut down Steven Gerrard with perfect response
Eberechi Eze celebrates with team-mates

Eberechi Eze started from the bench during Arsenal's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening, but was forced to step up to the plate moments into the encounter

Eberechi Eze needed just a quarter of an hour's worth of game-time during Arsenal's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening to quash Steven Gerrard's questions about his mentality.

The Gunners kicked off against the Bavarians at the Allianz Arena at 8pm, although Eze initially took his place on the bench - Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke featuring on the wings for Mikel Arteta, with Martin Odegaard playing through the middle.

However, the Englishman was called upon just 10 minutes into the encounter, when Saka fell to the ground clutching his thigh.

Gerrard, providing colour commentary for TNT Sports for the game, said: "I think it could be a quad, you saw him grab is right away. I think you're right Ally [McCoist].

"Seems to me like he's tried to clip one over the top and it's clipped his toe, the contacts not quite there. It's a huge blow for Arsenal.

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"This is one of those moments as a manager, where sometimes you take a player off at half-time and it comes back and bites you very quickly."

Gerrard, spotting Eze coming on in Saka's place, then explained that his appearance could serve as a baptism of fire, considering largely limited game-time under Arteta.

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The Liverpool legend added: "It's a good test for Eze, we'll see what type of mentality and character he is. I'm sure he would have been disappointed coming off but the best players use that as fuel."

However, Eze proved his worth with a goal just 15 minutes after making his way onto the pitch, opening the scoring for the Gunners following a closely-contested period.

Odegaard found Eze bursting through the Bayern backline with a beautifully clipped ball over the top, the 28-year-old latching on before firing past Manuel Neuer with his left foot.

Eberechi Eze battles for the ball
Eberechi Eze found his form in Munich -Credit:UEFA via Getty Images

The finish will work wonders for Eze's confidence and will be a clear sign to Arteta exactly what he is capable of when given a chance.

The London-born talent has been limited to just 130 minutes in the Premier League this season, but has flourished on the European stage, also finding the back of the net in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Lille a little over a week ago.

The points were ultimately shared in Munich on Wednesday, with the game finishing all-square at 2-2. Alphonso Davies equalised around 10 minutes after Eze's opener, ensuring Arsenal and Bayern headed into the break level.

Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 to the hosts with around 30 minutes left to play, only for Declan Rice to come to the Gunners' rescue in the 82nd after a great team move.

Arsenal now turn their attention to Saturday's 3pm Premier League clash with Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

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