Mikel Arteta’s young Arsenal side resumed normal service at the Emirates last night after a 3-1 win against struggling West Ham United to keep themselves ahead of the chasing pack in the race for Premier League honors as club football returned to action in the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup.
Goals from youthful Gunners trio Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Eddie Nketiah sealed a second-half comeback in front of home support after Arsenal went into the half-time interval down a goal while looking off the pace, bug emerged from the changing room to put in a champions-caliber performance to secure all three points to take them seven points clear of high-flying Newcastle United who currently sits second at the time of writing.
On a night where Arsenal set off on a prolonged period without star striker Gabriel Jesus, the faith that Arteta continues to place in Hale End Academy product Eddie Nketiah was put to the test against Moyes’ men, with the 23-year-old repaying that faith with a lovely goal just before the seventy-minute mark to seal a two-goal cushion.
For club legend Thierry Henry, Nketiah’s journey is deserving of considerable praise.
When speaking with Amazon, the club record goalscorer stated “I love this man because I know the journey [he’s had]. It’s not easy, it was never easy for him, but somehow he always delivers when people call upon him.”
After the news about Jesus’ injury while on international duty with Brazil in Qatar was confirmed, many expected the club may switch gears and look to source a temporary solution at center-forward in the upcoming January transfer window with a cadre of names the likes of João Félix, Dušan Vlahović, and Randal Kolo Muani being touted. But Arteta leaped to the defense of England’s record goalscorer at youth level and declared the club signed him to an extension because they had real belief in his ability.
One start, one goal, is certainly a great way to begin life as Arsenal’s leading man, no matter how temporary that role may be. But for the London native, his time in the sun could prove decisive.
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