Mikel Arteta faces Eddie Nketiah call after Arsenal heroics sparks ‘unbelievable’ comment

In pictures: Arsenal v Sunderland

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Eddie Nketiah does not get many opportunities at Arsenal, but when he does, he tends to take them. Mikel Arteta used Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Sunderland as a way to give fringe players a chance – and it was Nketiah who caught his eye, netting a stylish hat-trick in a 5-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.

More than most players at Arsenal, Nketiah has one simple reason to want to impress Arteta: frustration.

This was just his third start of the season in all competitions, with his last three appearances all coming off the bench in the Premier League in December.

The 22-year-old striker has played just 38 minutes of Premier League football this season and that is ultimately the reason why, as things stand, he is going to leave the club on a free transfer in the summer.

Like Alexandre Lacazette, Nketiah is out of contract on July 1. But unlike Lacazette, he does not feel that the Gunners value his talents.

Arteta has made it perfectly clear that he wants the young striker to stay, yet Nketiah might well point out that actions speak louder than words.

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“I have belief that Eddie is going to be a top, top player – hopefully for Arsenal,” Arteta said in the wake of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leeds on October 26.

“I’m happy to have him in the team, I rate him really highly and, from my side, I want him to stay.”

But 56 days on, this was his first start since that game.

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Once again in the Carabao Cup, Nketiah made hay. Having netted in the 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon and against Leeds, he continued in the same vein at the Emirates.

When Rob Holding’s header was pushed out by Lee Burge, it was Nketiah on the spot to force the ball over the line with his knee. It wasn’t pretty, but it showed his poacher instincts.

And after Nicolas Pepe’s deflected strike was cancelled out by Nathan Broadhead’s chip, it was Nketiah who made it 3-1.

Nuno Tavares got free on the left wing and whipped in a cross to the near post where Nketiah got across his man and provided a deft touch to beat Burge.

It got even better minutes later, with Nketiah taking his tally in the Carabao Cup to 10 goals from nine games.

The impressive Pepe put the ball through Denver Hume’s legs before picking out Nketiah to score with another flicked finish which oozed confidence.

With progression to the semi-finals assured, Arsenal cruised to the final whistle, with Arteta taking off Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe to ensure they are ready for the trip to Norwich on Boxing Day.

Academy graduate Charlie Patino made his debut off the bench – and grabbed a late goal from another Pepe pass in injury-time – but even that impact could not take the spotlight off Nketiah, who could easily have been awarded a penalty late on.

According to Opta, 12 of Nketiah’s 18 goals for Arsenal have been scored from inside the six yard box – a fact which was emphasised by comments from club legend Paul Merson.

“The lad never lets you down,” Merson said on Sky Sports before kick-off.

“He’s hungry and there’s talk that he doesn’t want to sign the contract. Which I can understand as he wants to play. He’s at Arsenal, an unbelievable football club, you’re young and have time so be patient.

“He’s a great finisher, goalscorer and has good pace. If I was his agent I would be signing again. I left Arsenal, it’s different. This is an unbelievable football club. You only realise when you leave.”

Sky Sports reported earlier this month the simple reason behind Nketiah’s reluctance to sign a new contract: a lack of game time.

Tonight’s match showed why Arteta must act to rectify the situation. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang frozen out after losing the captaincy and Lacazette potentially on the way out too, there really is no excuse.

Arsenal cannot afford to let such a talent slip through their fingers due to their own mismanagement.

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