Arsenal’s frontman has recently benefited from opponents’ mistakes, and a repetition at Spurs will be welcomed by Gunners fans.
Eddie Nketiah certainly couldn’t believe his luck five minutes into Arsenal’s match against Leeds United on Sunday, capitalizing on Illan Meslier’s error to put the Gunners ahead.
After watching Chelsea squander two points against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur pick up one point at Liverpool on Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s team needed a quick start, as cliche as it sounds.
The goal was achieved as a result of Nketiah’s recognition of a beneficial circumstance and determination to act.
A closer examination of his opening reveals that the forward was already on his toes before Luke Ayling threw the pass to his goalie, and the Leeds captain’s choice pushed the Arsenal striker to pursue the French shot-stopper.
That strike reflected the centre-proclivity forward’s to pursue lost causes, and it was not a one-off.
Nketiah has scored four Premier League goals since replacing Alexander Lacazette in Arteta’s starting lineup at Southampton, with three of those goals coming as a result of opponent errors.
His first of two goals versus Chelsea came after Andreas Christensen botched a routine back ball, and his second came as a result of his pursuit of Meslier.
The striker’s second goal in the 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge came after the ball bounced off Blues players who were unable to clear their lines, and the Arsenal man finished with style.
It’s unclear whether this is a trend with the in-form striker, but the clues point to Spurs being weary of the 22-year-old, who has brought goals to an assault that was in desperate need of a center striker after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure and Alexandre Lacazette’s problems.
While the Frenchman’s pressuring, link-up, and combination play allowed Arteta’s wide attackers to thrive, Nketiah has provided the much-needed goals, scoring four times in five consecutive starts. For context, this is all the 30-year-old could manage in 20 starts.
It remains to be seen whether the young forward’s current form convinces him to extend his contract, which expires this summer, but the prospect of playing in the Champions League for a team next season could sway the 22-year-decision. old’s
“It’s an honor to be a part of this.” “Any player just wants to play and have opportunities,” Nketiah told Sky Sports after scoring twice against Jesse Marsch’s team on Sunday. “I worked hard all season to ensure that I was ready when my chance came.”
“It’s a tribute to my teammates for assisting me in playing and performing well.” I’m just glad to be a part of the team.”
Arsenal control their destiny with three games remaining, a situation they would have welcomed at the start of the season.
They have come back from three straight defeats by Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Southampton (four defeats in five if mid-March fixtures are included) to win four games in a row coming into Thursday’s match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Recent history favors Antonio Conte’s team, which is unbeaten in the last seven similar matches, winning five of them.
This has kept Arsenal from accomplishing the double over their fierce rivals since 2013/14, with Spurs winning three points in the last two seasons, with another on Thursday matching a record established in 1961.
Nketiah is undeniably popular among Gooners, and ending the Lilywhites’ European dream will elicit even more fervent support.
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