Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has now scored four goals in four games since the World Cup and talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent says the 23-year-old could be staking a place for himself in the first team for the long term.
Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with a knee injury but Bent claims that, if Nketiah keeps up his current form, the Brazilian’s place as first choice may come under threat:
“If Eddie keeps scoring goals and Arsenal maintain where they are, then Jesus is going to have to get himself back into the team.”
There has been a mixed reaction to the comments on Twitter. Some fans believe that Nketiah does offer something different to the team as a poacher in front of goal, while others feel Jesus will remain the club’s number-one striker:
Both different styles of player. If the boss wanted to play both Jesus can drop short and Eddie can make those runs in off the shoulder. Eddie is more of a natural no.9 whereas Jesus is better at coming short and linking play.
— Daniel Cheng (@danielchengg1) January 12, 2023
Its good to have competition in such positions
— SLY ✳ (@EddieSly7) January 12, 2023
Naa, Jesus would be right back in as soon as he’s fit.
— Justus Ekeigwe (@justmanj) January 12, 2023
Eddie is a finisher, Jesus changes the dynamic of the game…turns water into wine.
— Dom (@DominicKinsella) January 12, 2023
That’s the level of competition we need in the squad!
Absolutely 💯
— Dr. Sabinus Osigwe (@Dr_Sabinus) January 12, 2023
As he should, but we play better with GJ who brings other players into the game better and we transition better
— WALKING WOUNDED (@syrup01) January 12, 2023
Arteta Should Start Nketia and use Gabrial Jesus as a backup striker
It’s simple as that
— senu foster (@senusports) January 12, 2023
No matter what form Eddie is, Jesus will be back in the team immediately after recovering. No debate
— iKON ● (@Kehindetijani04) January 12, 2023
There’s not free slot back in, you have to work to get what you want, Eddie earns 100k, if he keeps scoring and we maintain our position Jesus has to fight back for his place
— kola_porth (@ahm_kolade) January 12, 2023
Gabriel offers more than just tap ins. He subtracts defenders creates space and chances for Saka and Martineli.
— Nzou (@tendai79) January 12, 2023
As some have pointed out, Nketiah and Jesus are very different in terms of what they bring to the party. The former is focused on scoring goals, although his all-round game is improving. The latter is not as consistent in finishing his chances but he offers a lot more when it comes to his work in build-up play and his pressing off the ball. It is, though, a good problem for manager Mikel Arteta to have.
