Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has defended his decision to bring on Eddie Nketiah instead of Nicolas Pepe against Everton on Monday night.
The Gunners took the lead at Everton as Martin Odegaard scored his second goal goal in his last two outings.
Arsenal couldn’t kill the game off though and Richarlison equalised for Everton.
Demarai Gray then won it for Everton, bending a stunning strike into the net to send Goodison Park wild.
Arsenal throwing this game away will leave many disappointed – and many will point the finger at substitute Eddie Nketiah.
Nketiah squandered an incredible chance to score, heading against the post when it looked easier to score.
Arteta defends bringing on Nketiah instead of Pepe for Arsenal
Nketiah was thrown on for the injured Gabriel Martinelli – a curious change given that he has never really been a winger.
That was despite Arteta having a natural winger on the bench in Nicolas Pepe.
Pepe has barely played of late and the decision to go with Nketiah over him looks like bad news for the £140k-a-week Ivorian.
Nketiah is out of contract next summer and intends to leave Arsenal, but still got on the pitch before Pepe.
The decision has left Arsenal fans baffled. Arteta has now attempted to defend his decision whilst speaking to Football.London.
Arteta claims Nketiah is impressing in training ‘every single day’ despite his contract situation, with Pepe left out in the cold at Arsenal.
“Because I decided to play Eddie today, to bring him on. He created three chances and hit the post once in 25 minutes I think,” said Arteta.
“He does every day in training what you see him do here. Every single day. That’s why I picked him,” he added.
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