Defoe criticises Eze after Arsenal drop points in Brentford draw

• Jermain Defoe questions Eberechi Eze display after difficult night for Arsenal
• Gunners lead at top of Premier League cut to four points
• Arteta left frustrated by lack of intensity and control

Jermain Defoe singled out Eberechi Eze for criticism following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford on Thursday evening, suggesting the midfielder struggled to impose himself during a demanding test in west London.

Arsenal missed the chance to open up a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League after Noni Madueke’s second half header was cancelled out by Keane Lewis Potter. The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side four points clear of Manchester City with the title race finely balanced.

Eze endured a difficult outing and was replaced at half–time by Martin Odegaard. The summer signing from Crystal Palace has yet to fully establish himself as a regular starter, and Defoe believes the 27-year-old is still playing within himself.

“I think it is the pressure,” Defoe said on Premier League Productions. “It is a difficult place to go and you know what you are going to get. You have to cut out mistakes and your concentration has to be high. I thought Brentford were better in the second half and Arsenal wasted the first half.

“Eze was not good enough. I still feel like he is playing with the handbrake on. I know he has not played many games and maybe he is not match fit, but you still expect a little bit more. Arsenal were different tonight and I think that is a mentality thing.”

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott also suggested Arteta would be unhappy with several performances, pointing to the pressure created by Manchester City’s recent run of wins.

“With City getting the points the day before, there is always that pressure that you have to do the job,” Walcott said. “It is still in their hands and there are plenty of games to make up the points. Everyone will look at that game when they play each other.

“He will not be happy. He will be unhappy with a lot of players tonight because they were indifferent.”

Arsenal remain firmly in control of their title challenge, but the draw underlined the fine margins involved and the importance of maintaining focus during the decisive phase of the season.