Gabby Agbonlahor says Eddie Nketiah ‘isn’t the answer’ for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, but he can see the returning Gabriel Jesus help the club win the Premier League title.
Since the World Cup, Nketiah has been the man that has been leading the line for the Premier League leaders with Jesus suffering an injury in Qatar.
Initially, there was worry about that number nine spot and how it could derail the team’s quest to become champions of England.
But Arsenal’s Hale-End star stepped up, including scoring the winning goal against Manchester United, but he hasn’t scored in his last five.
That’s why he was dropped for the 1-0 win at Leicester City, with Jesus recently posting on Instagram that he is taking it ‘step by step’ amid his return to the training pitch.
Nonetheless, regarding Nketiah being able to lead the line, former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor doesn’t think the 23-year-old has the quality to do so, as he told talkSPORT Breakfast (01/03/23).
“Nketiah, he’s that sort of striker that you can get a game here and there out of him,” said Agbonlahor. “He comes on as a sub for 20 minutes.
“But to get 10-15 games out of him. He’s not the answer for Arsenal. Gabriel Jesus is a better player. More experienced. He’s been there and won titles.
“When he comes back, he will be like a new signing. He could be the reason why Arsenal go on to win this league. He could really fire Arsenal to the league title.”
JESUS RETURN
It will be music to Arsenal fans’ ears that Jesus is back in action because he has returned for the crunch moments of the campaign.
It will be interesting to see how the £45 million star (Sky Sports) is nurtured back in and just how cautious the medical staff will be with the versatile star.
The great thing is that Arteta has the upcoming Europa League knockout games to provide minutes to Jesus before throwing him into the deep end of the Premier League games.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
