Paul Scholes says Eddie Nketiah has been ‘sensational’ for Arsenal since the return of domestic football after the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The Old Trafford legend added that he ‘expected Nketiah to leave’ and earn some regular first-team football elsewhere, but he now thinks, if the injured Gabriel Jesus returns, then it’s the Englishman who starts.
Over the weekend, Nketiah netted a brace, including a 90th-minute winner, which helped Mikel Arteta’s side beat Manchester United 3-2 to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
The World Cup was still on-going when Arsenal found out about Jesus’ injury, and whilst they had time to plan what to do next, it was still a body blow to their Premier League title hopes.
Who were they going to sign? Is Nketiah good enough to fill that void? Those were the questions being asked.
Well, Nketiah himself has picked up the phone and answered any questions because he is thriving up front and Scholes is a big fan, as he told Premier League Productions (22/01/23 at 6:50 pm).
“I have been so impressed with him since he came in for Jesus,” said Scholes. “I think it’s difficult for Jesus to get in, with the way he is going. I know you say, Jesus is going to come back in, but this lad is scoring goals.
“I must admit, over the last year, you probably expected him to leave and try to get some first-team football. Since he has come in, I don’t think I have seen better number nine performances from anybody. I think he has been sensational.
“He looks like a very good lad as well. Nice and quiet. He’s not coming out and shouting his mouth off. He could have been frustrated. I am sure he was frustrated. But I am really pleased for him and now we are seeing the very best of him.”
JESUS V NKETIAH
This is very healthy for Arsenal and the longer it continues, the more chance they have of becoming champions of England.
Now, it’s not yet known when Jesus will return to the pitch, but when he does, if this debate is still on-going, then it means Nketiah is doing something right, as well as Arsenal themselves.
Fans have cried out for added depth and Nketiah is coming in as a backup and telling his manager that he wants to be the number one.
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