Paul Merson lauded Eddie Nketiah’s ‘phenomenal’ finish during Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
Before Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge, Nketiah hadn’t scored a Premier League goal this season then, like two London buses, he nets a brace in such a crucial game for the Gunners.
The first came after 13 minutes when the Hale-End academy product pounced on a mistake from Andreas Christensen to drive at Chelsea’s penalty box and cooly slot home past Edouard Mendy.
Nketiah would then add his second after the break, alongside strikes from Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka’s penalty.
Highbury hero, Merson, was seriously impressed by the manner in which Nketiah finished his first goal, as he told Sky Sports Premier League.
“It was a great finish,” said Merson. “Sometimes you chase balls down because of who the defender is. He chases this down with Christensen.
“Christensen hasn’t played a lot of football and that’s a terrible clearance. But, after that, what great centre-forward play.
“You are taught to run across the defender. He takes Sarr out of the game. And what a finish, what a finish by the lad.
“Takes the goalkeeper across. It was a phenomenal finish.”
This is a statement of intent from Arsenal and one that sends out a clear message to their top-four rivals.
Manchester United, who will visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool on Tuesday night.
Whilst Tottenham, who are sitting fourth, only on goal difference, were beaten by Brighton over the weekend and face in-form Brentford next.
Either way, this is a special way for Mikel Arteta and his players to end their three-game losing streak.
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