’They are scared’: Sky pundit says Arsenal 24-year-old is ‘too clever’ for his opponents 

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Stephen Warnock has given Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah his flowers as he shines for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The 24-year-old is a back-up option at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta knows that. The fans know it. But so does the player himself.

That’s why, when the chance to start is handed to you, then you have to take it with both hands. And he has just done that.

Gabriel Jesus’ latest injury meant that Eddie Nketiah started for Arsenal during their 5-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday, with the Hale-End star hitting a hat-trick – it was also suggested Nketiah can score ‘200 goals’ in his Arsenal career by just being a squad player.

Former Premier League left-back Stephen Warnock spoke about how Eddie Nketiah is ‘too clever’ for his opponents and that he puts fear into their eyes, as he told The Football Show on Sky Sports (30/10/23 at 11:20 am). 

The movement in and around the box from the recently-capped England star is proof of that, as he just continues to grow in the colours of his boyhood club.

Nketiah ‘too clever’ for his opponents

“I thought the first goal was the best goal,” said Warnock. “I just think the touch is phenomenal and to take it across the defender. That is a proper striker’s goal. 

“It wasn’t just that. It was the movement of him as well – He is too clever for it. Doesn’t want to get into a tussle with the defender. He knows that’s not his strength.

“So, how does he play? Comes off the shoulder. Plays short. The third goal, he comes off the defender, they don’t want to go with him because they are scared to step out of position.

“All round his game and his link-up play was very good. He will be delighted with his performance.”

Nketiah to start against West Ham?

It’s a switch-up of competition from Arsenal on Wednesday night as they take on West Ham in the League Cup – the Hammers fans have been dubbed a ‘disgrace’ after it was suggested that they are going to boo Declan Rice.

You will expect Arteta to make changes because the Premier League, Champions League and even FA Cup are higher in his pecking order.

But if you are Nketiah, then you will want to be starting again and continuing this momentum of scoring.

The simple reason is, as soon as Jesus gets back, he is starting and the only way to shut that off is for Nketiah to score none-stop and leave Arteta with no choice but to stick with him.