Date: 30th August 2022 at 5:30am
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Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has singled out teammate Eddie Nketiah as the game changer in the win against Fulham at the weekend. 

THE LOWDOWN: SUPERB PERFORMANCE

Eddie Nketiah started just eight Premier League games last season. Before Saturday’s encounter, the Englishman had seen just 28 minutes across three substitute appearances this season. But with Arsenal down a goal and time running out, manager Mikel Arteta turned to him just after the hour mark, and his introduction helped turn the game on its head.

Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring early into the second half as he robbed the ball from Gabriel Magalhaes and coolly slotted home past Aaron Ramsdale. However, the introduction of Nketiah just after the hour mark helped turn the tide in the game, with Mikel Arteta’s side trailing 1-0 – they swiftly found an equalizing goal while their relentless pressure brought a late winner.

THE LATEST: TEAMMATE’S PRAISE

Bukayo Saka has stated how Eddie Nketiah has made a “huge difference” for Arsenal after the Gunners came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 on Saturday.

Saka explained the following on from the game: “We had to be patient. Credit to Fulham, they made it difficult for us. In the end, we got the result we wanted, so we’re happy. Eddie Nketiah made a real difference for us. I’m happy with his contribution and I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals for us this season.”

Arsenal have made a 100% start to the Premier League season and are the early pacesetters after four rounds of games.

THE VERDICT: NKETIAH’S TIME

Despite the presence of Gabriel Jesus, it is clear to see that Nketiah will still be given more minutes this season. Especially with Arsenal back in Europe, Jesus will need to take a rest at some point and Nketiah is expected to fill in by that time.

It is going to be a gruelling season, especially with the World Cup tournament coming up in November. Nketiah showed glimpses of what to expect this season and Mikel Arteta can only hope his forwards stay fit for the entire campaign.

Nketiah is coming of age at the right time and if he can sustain this momentum, he’ll surely have a key role to play in the 2022/23 season.

 

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