Mikel Arteta rarely changes his starting lineup, demonstrating his faith in his players. This move by Arteta can also be interpreted to mean that if something is working, why change it?
In the first half of the season, Arteta’s attack consisted of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus, but Eddie Nketiah has now filled the void Jesus’ injury left in the attack.
Nketiah has been outstanding in Arsenal’s attacking play and deserves every accolade. He, along with Martinelli and Saka, are gradually forming a one-of-a-kind attacking trio for which the Premier League wasn’t ready for. They are completely functional.
In 19 league games, Saka has 7 goals and 7 assists. Martinelli has 7 goals and 2 assists in 19 league games, while Nketiah has 4 goals in 17 games (including subs).
Many predicted the end of Arsenal’s attack after Gabriel Jesus’ knee injury, but thanks to Nketiah, the North London giants are still roaring. I doubt Nketiah will ever impress you if you aren’t raving about him.
Even Michail Antonio, speaking on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, admitted, “The way he played against us—urgh. He surprised me. He surprised me! He was dropping in deep, picking it up, he rolled a couple of our defenders to score his goal. He was quality.”
Is Nketiah a better striker, or is Arteta’s attacking system superior regardless of who plays in it?
Daniel O
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Maybe Nketiah is more focused on or better in finding opportunities than Jesus, who is obviously a better dribbler and has more tricks up his sleeve
As I said many times before, Nketiah must’ve learned a lot from the older CFs at Arsenal. That’s why I’m not surprised by his goal tally
Sambi-Lokonga is getting similar criticisms, but I still see his potential to be a very good CDM and he is currently learning from Partey. He just needs to train harder to make his touches more consistent
Sambi problem I think base on his mentality.
If he got the same mental strength as our Eddy, he can also go far.
Warrior mind set.
Maybe. I believe we’ll rely on him instead of signing a new CDM
My with Lokonga is he is too slow, its like he is just walking on the pitch
In my opinion, a good CDM doesn’t have to be pacey, but he must be able to make his team escape from the opposition’s high press
That he is slow doesn’t mean he can’t run fast, but inability to make quick-thinking decisions. Not that you control the ball and be waiting as if your opponents are on holiday
100% – Eddie has always improved because he’s got the mindset to improve. No hint of feeling sorry for himself when not playing, confidence that he can become a top player but humility to know he has to get better in certain areas. I think Sambi is lacking that – he does seem to feel sorry for himself when things don’t go his way. If he can change his mindset, he can get better very quickly imo. He might need a move and a reset in order to realise that change, though.
Those older CFs only blocked his development. His goal record with our academy I don’t think I have seen any better scorer since I started following our youth system.
It should be no surprise. He did well once he got a run of first team starts at the end of last season. Also, most goals ever for England under 23’s. No reason why he shouldn’t push on & get even better.
Not me! When the qualified and trained manager has faith in the lad, who are we to think otherwise? Mikel has changed the fortunes of many, see Sterling struggle after Mikel’s departure. Keep in faith in Mikel, the puzzle is, falling in place and that too within a short span of 3 years. Take that( Psuedo Arsenal fans)!
Can Anyone translate that for me please 🤔
Eddie Nketiah deserves a lot of credit. After Jesus’s injury, this was his last chance. And he took it with aplomb, to prove to himself, his teammates, his manager and the fans. No wonder Arteta kept the faith. It is Arteta’s superior tactics and man-management that took Arsenal to the EPL summit but massive credit to the players who believe and commit to such play style.
I still feel like Nketia and Martinelli need a bit more development. Saka is a bit ahead of them.
But can’t fault the lads for the effort and fight this season, they are doing fine..
I didn’t think Eddie could step up as well as he has so it’s a win win situation for both him and the club. Well done to him.
When your chance comes then grab it. Emi Martinez did when Leno got injured. That’s what sorts out the men from the boys
I had big doubts he could step up but so far so good ,he’s done exceptionally well ,does he keep his place when Jesus is back ?im not so sure
The way Eddie moves around the pitch and finds space and works defenders reminds me of Ian Wright. Even his running style reminds me of him. If he can replicate Wrighty’s goal return then what a player we could have going forward. Give him the number 8 I say. Odegaard should be 10 and ESR should’ve kept his 32.
My doubt was cleared when I downloaded (I still watch from to time) his goals for arsenal before Christmas and saw he has varieties. The main question was could he press? That too was answered by his 2 goals he intercepted from goalkeepers.
It did not surprise me that he had the ability to get goals like the two against Man Utd. He always had the goal scoring ability but being a poacher is not enough in today’s game. His all round game has improved due to Arteta’s coaching and learning from the master who should still be first choice when fit. In the run in to the season I would want to see Jesus starting game’s with Eddie ready on the bench.