Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media after Arsenal recorded a stunning 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard has a lot to thank Eddie Nketiah for, after the £45,000-a-week man stepped up to score twice in west London in a must-win game.
Now, Arteta has made an admission about the 22-year-old.
What’s the story?
Well, the 40-year-old admits he’s treated Nketiah unfairly during his time in charge at the Emirates Stadium.
As quoted by Football London, Arteta said: “If there’s one player I’ve been unfair with it’s Eddie. He has given me every right to do something different, and if Eddie doesn’t play more, it’s my fault and because as a manager I missed something or I haven’t had the courage to play him more. Today he showed me more how wrong I was.”
We agree – Nketiah has been treated unfairly.
He’s been forced to sit and watch Alexandre Lacazette score just four goals in 26 Premier League appearances, and despite that, continue to be named in the starting XI.
Nketiah actually has more goals in all competitions this season than the Frenchman, having played ten games fewer.
The Arsenal No.30 has netted seven goals in 22 games, whereas Lacazette has only mustered up six goals in 32 outings.
It has been an extremely frustrating campaign for the England Under-21 international, but he stepped up for his side when they needed him most.
Eddie Nketiah is playing for his Arsenal future
If Nketiah wants to stay at Arsenal, then he’s done his chances no harm by scoring twice against Chelsea.
The Hale End Academy graduate’s contract expires in June, with Crystal Palace holding talks to sign him, according to The Times.
However, should he continue to find the back of the net, Arteta may have second thoughts about allowing him to leave for nothing.
To put it simply, Nketiah is certainly playing for his Arsenal future across these final six Premier League games.
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