If Eddie Nketiah had dreamed of the perfect scenario for his first Arsenal start since returning from Leeds, then Monday night’s clash against Bournemouth saw it come to reality.
The Gunners academy product had spent the first-half of this campaign on loan at the Championship side, but didn’t seem to get much of a look-in under Marcelo Bielsa.
The England U21 international managed just 495 minutes of football in the league, and it was no surprise that Arsenal recalled him earlier this month.
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And after being given the chance to start against Bournemouth in the FA Cup fourth round, Nketiah took his opportunity with both hands, scoring a very impressive first-time finish. After seeing his display, Arsenal fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the 20-year-old.
Some Gunners fans insisted that Nketiah is already better than Alexandre Lacazette, with the Frenchman enduring a difficult season at the Emirates with just six goals to his name.
A couple of fans felt Nketiah reminded them of Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
Having struggled to get a genuine first-team opportunity at Leeds, it didn’t take long for Nketiah to show his worth for Arsenal. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang suspended, and his long-term future in question with reports he could leave this summer, the Gunners youngster has the chance to really stamp his mark under Arteta.
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And his goal against Bournemouth on Monday night was a supremely well-taken finish. If the game was seen as an audition on whether he could genuinely be an option for Arteta for the rest of this season, then he passed it with flying colours.
Meanwhile, this Arsenal starlet has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo.
