Eddie Nketiah showed he is a top talent at the end of last season, and that is one reason Arsenal handed him a new long-term contract.
He even changed his shirt number to 14, and fans expect him to become a leading star in the future.
The England youth international has, however, struggled to play for the Gunners in this campaign after Gabriel Jesus’ arrival in the summer.
The Brazilian has reduced him to just a few minutes in Premier League matches.
He got his first start of the campaign in the Europa League game against FC Zurich last night.
It was a very good outing from the lad, and Standard Sport’s Simon Collings was full of praise for him.
“The goal capped off an impressive display from Nketiah, who has so far had to sit and watch Gabriel Jesus hit the ground running at Emirates Stadium.
“The Brazilian is clearly Arsenal’s first-choice No9, but the Europa League will provide an opportunity for Nketiah to show he is viable competition and possibly someone who could even play alongside Jesus.
“There has been a noticeable improvement in Nketiah’s all-round game since the summer. He looks stronger and his ability to hold the ball up and link play has come on leaps and bounds.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Nketiah was handed a new deal because we know he is a top talent, and he showed that last night.
Sadly, he is not better than Jesus, so he would have to remain behind the Brazilian.
He could eventually make a case to start alongside the Manchester City man if he keeps performing well.
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The Europa competition would be an ideal opportunity to try Jesus and Nketiah together in a 3-5-2 system but in that event our wingers become surplus to requirements?Arteta seems to be intent on the current 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 set up and ,realistically, there seems little likelihood of a two pronged strike force .
How about a 4-4-2..
Ramsdale
Tomi. Saliba. Gab Tierney
Saka. Partey. Xakai martinel
Jesus. Nekitha
This way Odegard is out unfortunately.
5-3-2 would keep the current 1st choice midfield, would likely lose Martinelli (Saka would be good at WB.) That would solve the DM issue as that formation does not require the same qualities. It would also present the issue of back up to Eddie/Jesus although Martinelli/ESR could play that role in a 2. It’s an option at least but we were always going to progress towards a 4-3-3 and that should be the main the priority imo.
Ramsdale
Tomi. Saliba. Gab Tierney
Partey. Zinchenko
Ødegaard
Saka. Martinelli
Jesus
I think this is our strongest team
Opinion
Xhaka is playing very well atm, so it’s hard to say we’d be better off with Zinchenko in midfield without even seeing him there in our side. For me the big question is whether Tierney or zinchenko is the better LB for us. I think we play better in attack with Zinchenko as he’s a better tactical fit, but Tierney is better defensively, so it’s tough to pick one.