Eddie Nketiah has admitted he backs himself to continue as Arsenal's starting XI striker once Gabriel Jesus returns from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. The 23-year-old has filled the shoes of the Gunners' marquee summer signing, scoring four goals in as many appearances since the resumption of the season following the conclusion of the World Cup.
From an outside perspective there was a significant amount of concern over whether Nketiah could fill the shoes of Jesus, internally though he had the support of team-mate Granit Xhaka and the backing of Arteta and goals against West Ham, Brighton and Oxford have more than proven his case. While the Hale End grad may not be able to offer the link up play that Jesus can, he has been able to thrive where the summer signing from Manchester City hasn't for some time.
Prior to his injury at the World Cup, the 25-year-old had gone ten games without scoring and his replacement at the tip of the attack has already surpassed his goal tally for the season. From 1,111 minutes of action, Nketiah has seven goals, while Jesus has netted five goals from 1,453 minutes.
