Martin Keown has told TalkSPORT (Friday, 11.50AM) that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is currently saving the Gunners a whole heap of cash with his “tireless” performances up front in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus.
Jesus returned from the World Cup injured and is expected to be on the sidelines until March at least. Nketiah, 23, has come in, starting the last three League games. Beforehand, he had failed to start in the league this term.
Nketiah has scored two goals in those three starts, one against West Ham and then in the 4-2 win over Brighton. He is certainly proving why he deserves to start over Jesus, when the Brazil international returns from his injury.
Arsenal legend Keown heaped praise on Nketiah, who signed a £100,000-a-week deal: “I think Nketiah coming in, he is saving Arsenal a bit of money up there – saving Arsenal having to sign a striker. He is working tirelessly.”
Keown: Nketiah is saving Arsenal a whole heap of cash
When the news broke that Jesus had suffered an injury, Arsenal fans were imploring the club to sign a striker. The Gunners support felt that if they were to maintain their title push, a new no.9 would be required to keep their place.
But it must be remembered that before the World Cup, Jesus went six games in the Premier League without scoring. He only has five goals all season. While he does have seven assists and contributes to play, he is hardly prolific.
Nketiah has come in with question marks over whether he is good enough to lead the line. But two goals in his first two League starts of the season, and coming close against Newcastle, show he is. Nick Pope made a fine save.
Nketiah’s form means Mikel Arteta does not need to worry about signing a striker – as long as he remains fit. It means the Gunners can go out and spend big on someone else, Mykhaylo Mudryk, perhaps.
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