Eddie Nketiah has admitted that he has been frustrated with his lack of playing time so far this season, but respects manager Mikel Arteta's decision. The England under-21 international committed his long-term future to Arsenal by signing a five year contract this summer.
He had, at one point, appeared as though he might be about to leave as talks continued to drag on. However, after a run in the side towards the end of last season where he scored five goals in eight starts, he was convinced to stay.
Since then though, the 23-year-old has failed to start a single Premier League game this season, with his only league minutes coming as a substitute, despite him having scored a goal and managed an assist during his solitary start of the campaign in the Europa League against FC Zurich. Now Nketiah has been left frustrated by the lack of minutes, but that he is not getting down heartened just yet.
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"Yes, as a player everyone wants to play football," he said in a press conference ahead of Arsenal's Europa League group stage clash with Bodo/Glimt at the Emirates Stadium. "My aim is to be starting and helping the team, but I respect the coach’s decision. It’s down to me keep working hard and putting in the performances. It’s a long season and we’re only a month in. There will be a lot of opportunities for me to play, whether that be in Europe or in the league, and I’ll be ready whenever I’m called upon."
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Part of the reason Nketiah has found starts so difficult to come by is the form of summer signing Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian has scored five goals in eight matches since his arrival from Manchester City, meaning that Nketiah faces a daunting task in order to get back into the team. Despite that though, the Hale Ender admits he's ready to fight for his place.
"When you play for any big club there is always going to be competition, I’m not shy of that," he said. "I’m happy to be part of a team that is doing well and will keep pushing hard to show that I deserve more minutes."
Now though, Nketiah is set to get a chance in the Europa League where Arsenal will be playing five matches in the next five weeks. With this in mind the England under-21 international is hopeful that he'll be able to take this chance.
"Yes I think it is an opportunity for the whole team to build on the good start we have had with three points. It is a very important competition for all of us - we want to win," he said. "We want to qualify first because we know how important it is. For myself, of course, the more games, the more opportunity to play so I am looking forward to the games in Europe and domestically as well."
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