The announcement of Gabriel Jesus' knee injury placed a rather large dent in Arsenal's hopes of winning the Premier League title, with the summer arrival crucial to how Mikel Arteta's team play. While a long-term injury to Erling Haaland or Harry Kane would be detrimental to Man City or Tottenham respectively, the Gunners were able to call on a natural backup with the aim of lessening the impact of Jesus' absence.
With 20 days occurring between the confirmation of Jesus' successful knee surgery and Arsenal's Premier League return fixture against West Ham, Eddie Nketiah, the man set to fill the lofty shoes of Jesus, was understandably the main topic of conversation.
Arteta firmly backed his man to succeed after playing a key role in him signing a new long-term contract but others were less confident on his ability to lead the line for the Premier League leaders.
READ MORE: Arsenal concerns over Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer eased after £72m misconception is disproven
Paul Merson wrote in his Daily Star column before the West Ham clash: "Without being horrible, what Premier League team does Eddie Nketiah get in? Wolves are bottom for instance, they're desperate for a goal and they wouldn't go and get him.
"For me, it's really worrying. This is no disrespect to Nketiah or the other players but Jesus gels everything together."
The 23-year-old quickly shut down any claims he wasn't capable of being a goal scorer by capping off a superb Arsenal comeback with a delightful turn and finish against West Ham. Showing his true ability as a penalty box poacher, Nketiah then reacted quickest to put Arsenal three goals up against Brighton and thus see him score in back to back Premier League games, exactly as he did when he was thrusted into the limelight towards the end of last season.
Many have now seemingly taken a significant U-turn surrounding their thoughts on Nketiah with Danny Murphy one of many praising Nketiah for his recent displays.
“I like him,” Murphy told talkSPORT. “Well, Jesus, before he went away didn’t score in 11. And he’s started three and scored two. Now, he might not give you the other things Jesus gives you. But I think he’d score more goals in this Arsenal team, because they make chances. And his link-up’s not bad.”
Meanwhile Arsenal legend Ian Wright perhaps suggested his former side should be wary of losing Nketiah after the Hale End graduate proved he can be more than just a backup option.
“Now, he’s [Eddie Nketiah] has come on and he’s actually scoring,” Wright said on the Kelly and Wrighty show. “This is his time to build his profile that profile, to be that guy. What people will see is that when he came in, he was under pressure and he’s done it. Now people will say, ‘I want to take him as the main guy.’
“He’s now proving that he can deal with that. He can deal with the fact that ‘yeah, I can go in and be the main man.’ His link-up play has been good, he sniffs around the box as well and he’s scoring the goals.”
Jesus will likely make his return from injury in February, depending on how the rest of his recovery goes, with a recent update showing he no longer needs crutches. The 25-year-old seems like the type of player that, if available, you start every game, but Nketiah has at least another month to show why he can be Arsenal's main man.
READ NEXT:
Stan Kroenke reaches £70m Arsenal agreement amid fresh Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer bid
Gabriel breaks silence on Newcastle penalty shout as Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal transfer promise
Every word Mikel Arteta said on referee, penalties, Arsenal transfers and Eddie Howe exchange
Gary Neville disagrees with Mikel Arteta on 'scandalous' penalty decisions in Arsenal draw
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
