Andros Townsend has made it clear that he ‘doesn’t see a problem’ with Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah wearing the number 14 shirt, as he told talkSPORT.
The Everton winger defended Arsenal’s call to hand him that famous number once worn by the club’s greatest-ever striker, and perhaps player, in Thierry Henry.
For large part of the 2021/22 Premier League season, Nketiah struggled in north London, but he came to life during the final few months.
It wasn’t enough as Mikel Arteta watched his players shoot themselves in the foot and miss out on Champions League football.
Despite that, Nketiah penned a new contract at the club, with Edu Gaspar, Arsenal’s technical director, handing him the number 14, which drew quite a reaction, but it’s something Townsend defended.
“Henry left Arsenal 10-15 years ago,” said Townsend. “I don’t see a problem with it. Theo Walcott had it for years, so I don’t honestly see a problem with it at all. He’s a top player.”
GABRIEL JESUS ENTERING THE BUILDING
Whilst Nketiah has committed his future to the club, he’s not going to be the first choice under Arteta when they kick off the 2022/23 Premier League campaign at Crystal Palace.
It’s yet another Friday night game for the Gunners, as nightmares of that defeat to newly-promoted Brentford will be ringing in the fans’ heads.
But, Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus will be expected to line-up for Arteta, with the Brazil star recently pictured with his fellow countryman, Edu, ahead of his transfer.
Either way, Arsenal fans will question whether Jesus, Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have enough goals in them to keep them ticking for next season and push them into the Champions League.
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