Simon Jordan believes Arsenal’s lack of an Erling Haaland-style striker could cost them the Premier League title while labelling Eddie Nketiah a ‘mid-table player’.
The Arsenal academy graduate remains a player of vast contrasts. A man who divides opinion more than an M Night Shyamalan box set.
Eddie Nketiah has, on one hand, developed his all-round game substantially over the last 18 months; an impressive link-man these days, as well as a willing channel runner. But his goal return remains underwhelming.
A favourite in some quarters, and a scapegoat in others. A 7/10 forward, perhaps, in a team who needs an eight or a nine.
Eddie Nketiah facing big Arsenal questions
“I didn’t think Arsenal were particularly great yesterday, and I certainly don’t think Arsenal are one of the best sides in the world,” former Crystal Palace chairman Jordan tells talkSPORT (25 September, 10am).
“They need top Premier League strikers to win this league. Nketiah is a decent player. He is a decent, mid-table Premier League-side player. But if you are going to try and win leagues, you’re going to need people who can score 20, 25 goals and they haven’t got them.
“I think he is a decent, mid-table player.”
Nketiah, since the start of 2021/22, has just 11 goals in 56 Premier League appearances. Compare that with the numbers on show elsewhere in the division – we don’t just mean Haaland, we’re also referring to the tallies of Mo Salah, Heung-Min Son, Callum Wilson, Ollie Watkins and co – and it becomes difficult to argue against the prospect of Arsenal going all-in on an Ivan Toney during the winter window, especially with Gabriel Jesus hardly proving prolific either.
Nketiah draws a blank in North London derby
“Arsenal are trying to win the Premier League. Look at the teams who are trying to win the Premier League. Manchester City have got a merchant up top who scores 35 goal a season,” Jordan argues.
“Look at Liverpool, they had Salah who could contribute 30 goals a season. You’re not going to see that from Arsenal’s front three, whether it’s (Gabriel) Martinelli, (Gabriel) Jesus or Nketiah.”
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