Two goals at Stamford Bridge against the team who released him at the age of 15 was quite the reward for Eddie Nketiah. The striker, who is out of contract in the summer, was handed a rare start against Chelsea after Alexandre Lacazette was only deemed fit enough to play 15 minutes following his positive test for coronavirus.
Nketiah’s hold up play and impressive finishing saw him grab two pivotal goals in Arsenal’s chase towards the top four, and he has now scored as many non-penalty Premier League goals this season as Lacazette.
Just days before the game, Nketiah gave an interview in which he all but admitted that this season would be his last at Emirates Stadium as he pursues regular first team football. His contract situation and ambition to put himself in the shop window may actually prove beneficial for Arsenal.
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“There have been offers of a new contract but at the moment my aim is to play football and play regularly,” Nketiah told The Beautiful Game podcast. “That's my ambition and that's what I hope to do but at the same time I'm at Arsenal, I love Arsenal.'
“What I can say is just that I love the club. I’m a childhood supporter as well, people need to remember this. It has always been my goal to be the number nine for Arsenal and that only. I think I'm good enough to do that and I've always been driven towards that.
“What I will say is that I'm 100 per cent totally committed to the club and achieving their goals this season. Whether I get five, 10, 15 starts I going to try and do as much as I can for the team and do well. I want to do well as much as they want to do well. That's my aim just do as well as I can until the end of the season and then see what the future holds after that.”
While Nketiah will get most of the headlines, credit should be given to both Rob Holding and Mohamed Elneny for their exemplary performances at the heart of defence and midfield. Elneny in particularly is rarely given an opportunity to impress, but remains one of the most respected members of the first team squad and is considered part of the Gunners' leadership group.
For Arsenal, they are now level points with Tottenham and their top four hopes look as strong as ever, with another must-win match coming up against Manchester United on Saturday.
Arteta said before the game at Stamford Bridge that he and his squad still believe, and they need to continue with the same level of performance for the next six games of the season.
