Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his admiration for striker Eddie Nketiah following his two-goal heroics against Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday.
The 22-year-old scored both goals in their 2-1 win, firing them in front in the fifth minute before completing his brace five minutes later.
Nketiah has led the line for the Gunners in Alexandre Lacazette's absence, as the Frenchman is out with an injury, making the most of his opportunities.
With four goals in his last five games, the Englishman is on a great run of form, and Arteta is certainly impressed by him. He told Sky Sports (via EuroSport):
"He’s doing what he’s done all season – when he’s been on the bench, sitting at home or on the pitch. This boy doesn’t change, that’s why we absolutely adore him & he deserves what is happening to him."
Nketiah was conspicuous by his absence during the opening few months of the campaign, as he wasn't in the team for their opening ten league games.
Since returning, the player has only been limited to a bit-part role, coming off the bench as a substitute till Lacazette's injury gave him the chance to start regularly.
Nketiah struck twice in the Gunners' stunning 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, his first two league goals of the season. Arteta said that Nketiah now has the "right environment" around him to shine, adding:
"He’s still got a lot to do, but now he has the right environment, and he has the right personnel around him. Now he can be judged by what he does on the pitch and before he didn’t have that context."
Arsenal next face Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial game in the race for UEFA Champions League football next season. They lead fifth-placed Spurs by four points with three games to go.
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah's future in doubt
Nketiah's contract is up in June, bu following his recent heroics, fans want Arsenal to tie him down to a new deal.
However, the youngster has already rejected two offers, as he demands more playing time, something Arteta is hesitant to promise.
Nevertheless, the Gunners could sign a new striker this summer, with Lacazette touted to leave and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining Barcelona in January.
Nketiah fears being reduced to a bench role at Arsenal once again next season with a new man leading the line. However, he has made a strong case for himself with encouraging showings in recent weeks.
FaithEvans
5
Eddie Nketiah, Nuno Tavares, Cedric Soares and Mohamed El Neny has really turned up when it mattered the most... We've always been terrible after injuries to the first team but for the first time in many many years, our back up players have really done us proud. Their mistakes are forgiven, except Mo ElNeny, he has committed none.
Kaoadempuy
2
is a very good player
Dr0ck
0
His contract with Arsenal is ending this june
Yeah dude Arsenal have to find a way to renew it
Juliusrymz
0
How many modern striker has scored 10+ goals in CL?
I know but dat team needs a better striker his not reliable
zeccdiopu
0
Eddie Nketiah is good but his not going to be dat striker who will score 10 goals plus in UCL
How many modern striker has scored 10+ goals in CL?
zeccdiopu
0
Eddie Nketiah has done great in his five games from the bench scoring four goals and he is showing good signs of being an asset although we are not sure will he change his mind if Arteta negotiate him to a new contract or he will leave but i suggest he reconsider staying even though the club needs another top class striker to compete with and Arsenal can play them both using a 4-4-2 formation
Well said
voselmnosu
2
Eddie Nketiah has done great in his five games from the bench scoring four goals and he is showing good signs of being an asset although we are not sure will he change his mind if Arteta negotiate him to a new contract or he will leave but i suggest he reconsider staying even though the club needs another top class striker to compete with and Arsenal can play them both using a 4-4-2 formation
vusaeilort
2
Sign Dat ting, Eddie.
Iyce
0
Eddie Nketiah future in doubt in Arsenal? I don't think so. This guy is good and he is doing the right job. His place for the next four (4) years is Arsenal.
His contract with Arsenal is ending this june
Juliusrymz
2
Eddie Nketiah is good but his not going to be dat striker who will score 10 goals plus in UCL
Dr0ck
0
Eddie Nketiah future in doubt in Arsenal? I don't think so. This guy is good and he is doing the right job. His place for the next four (4) years is Arsenal.
Willboy123
0
it will end in tears
Yunusuak86
4
Now we need to beat that TOT's...!!!! Make it triple double,Eddie...!!!
Mapdensuyz
1
Asamoah Gian.. I'm waiting for you 👌👌👌
Bagaz86
0
indeed Nketiah' s performance is extremely amazing in these previous games!!; let him keep up the fighting spirit.
Superlizz
1
🔥🔥🔥🔥🚀Eddie boy!!