Gabriel Agbonlahor, a former striker who is now a commentator, said that Eddie Nketiah leading the Gunners’ attack will keep them from winning the title this season.
Even though the north London club had a great start to the season, things have been tough for them in recent weeks because they haven’t been able to win their last three Premier League games in a row. Because of this, they lost their spot at the top of the table, where they had been for a few months, and are now in second place based on goal difference.
Gabriel Jesus has been injured for the past few weeks, so Nketiah has been starting in his place. Up until last night’s 3-1 loss to title rivals Manchester City, he had been doing well. The 23-year-old had two great chances to score for Arsenal, but he didn’t take advantage of either one.
Expert says Arsenal won’t win the tittle with Nketiah.
Agbonlahor said on talkSport that, even though Nketiah has done well recently, he is not a world-class forward, and that you need a world-class striker to win a league title. So, with the academy graduate leading the line, the Gunners won’t win the league this season.
Agbonlahor said:
“He’s done a great job, but he’s not the best striker in the world. Eddie Nketiah isn’t one of the best strikers in the world. Is he a striker who can fill in for Gabriel Jesus for five, six, seven, or eight games? Yes, he is. But he won’t help Arsenal win the league.”
Nketiah isn’t a world-class forward yet, but he has almost everything he needs to be one in the future if he gets the right coaching and game time.
It’s important to keep in mind that players don’t become great unless they play at the highest level for a long time. This is something that the 23-year-old doesn’t have yet.
So, even though Nketiah, who Transfermarkt says is worth about £16 million, had a rough night last night, I think Arteta should keep giving the young player the help and support he needs to grow and reach his full potential.
