Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah says he is ignoring the “noise” around whether he can step up to replace Gabriel Jesus.
Nketiah is expected to get a run of games over the next few weeks after Jesus injured his hamstring on Tuesday in the Gunners’ win over Sevilla.
The England striker has made the perfect start to replacing Jesus, scoring a hat-trick on Saturday as Arsenal beat Sheffield United 5-0.
And asked if he was frustrated that people constantly question if he can fill in for the Brazilian, Nketiah said: “That is not my persona at all.
“I just focus on being the best player I can and improving day in, day out. I know how good I can be when I am on it, when I am working hard and my teammates believe and trust in me.
The moment Eddie scored his first Premier League hat-trick 💪
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 29, 2023
Filmed on @GoogleUK Pixel 🤳 pic.twitter.com/Lw2hBbaWVp
“That’s the most important thing for me. The rest is just noise. Sometimes you get the credit, sometimes you don’t. You just have to be consistent and keep pushing every day.
“We have a lot of quality players in all positions and we are all fighting and working hard every day to be out there and help the team.
“When everyone gets the opportunity it is about delivering and helping the team. That is what we did [against Sheffield United].”
Nketiah has started eight of Arsenal’s 10 Premier League games this season due to Jesus struggling with injuries.
It has led to the striker earning his England debut and he hopes to keep his place in the upcoming squad for next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
“When you are doing well, winning games and scoring goals everything else takes care of itself,” he said.
“My main focus is here [at Arsenal]. Obviously it is great to be in the national team and I just want to keep pushing on. You get to play with and compete against top players and get to see their habits. That is the company you want to be keeping.”
