Alan Smith believes Eberechi Eze will be fretting over his future at Arsenal after coming off in a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on 18 October 2026.

Eze started at the City Ground but was replaced by Noni Madueke at the break, with neither side managing a shot on target in the first half. Madueke went on to score the winner in the 80th minute.

Smith, the former Arsenal striker and Sky Sports co-commentator, gave his verdict on the decision during the broadcast.

What Smith and Arteta Said About the Eze Substitution

Smith questioned what Eze’s half-time substitution could mean for his Arsenal future after the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ live coverage, the former Arsenal striker said: “Eze might be wondering where his Arsenal career is heading.”

Smith added that being substituted at half-time was never pleasant and felt Madueke had offered more on the flank. The former Chelsea winger replaced Eze at the break and scored the winner in the 80th minute.

Arteta said Eze’s half-time substitution was a tactical decision based on how Forest were defending. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he said his side needed fresh legs and a different profile in attack, while also pointing out that he had scored earlier in the week and should have scored more than once.

Ian Wright also discussed the substitution, describing the situation as tough for Eze. The Arsenal legend said Eze was a player who made his mark in moments, felt he had looked isolated and admitted he had expected him to be substituted.

Madueke scored the winner in the 80th minute after cutting in from the left and beating Daniel Muñoz. His shot deflected off Jair Cunha and into the net, securing a 1-0 victory.

Smith’s Earlier Verdict on Eze and Madueke’s Away Record

Smith had already assessed Eze this season. In an interview with Gooner News, he said he had expected more from the England international and that his Arsenal career had been “a bit disappointing”.

At that point, Eze had scored in seven of 58 Arsenal appearances and had not yet scored this season. According to Opta, 13 of his 17 Premier League goals came away from home, including all four he scored for Arsenal.

The goal also made it three consecutive Premier League matches decided by a substitute, following Bruno Guimarães’ goals against Sunderland and Leeds United.

The win left Arsenal three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and Nottingham Forest dropped into the bottom three.