Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Porstmouth: 5 things we learned – The future is bright

By Andrew Dowdeswell

PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Eddie Nkethia of Arsenal is congratulated by team-mates after he scores a goal to make it 2-0 during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC at Fratton Park on March 02, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Eddie Nkethia of Arsenal is congratulated by team-mates after he scores a goal to make it 2-0 during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC at Fratton Park on March 02, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Eddie Nkethia of Arsenal celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 2-0 during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC at Fratton Park on March 02, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Eddie Nkethia of Arsenal celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 2-0 during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC at Fratton Park on March 02, 2020 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

3. Eddie Nketiah pushing Alexandre Lacazette hard

Eddie Nketiah was not even meant to be at Arsenal. The young centre-forward had signed on a year-loan with Leeds United to gain regular playing time. Marcelo Bielsa, though, stuck with Patrick Bamford as his starting centre-forward. Nketiah rarely played.

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In the January transfer window, Arsenal recalled Nketiah from his loan, initially with the idea of re-loaning him out again. But he impressed in training and Mikel Arteta demanded that he remain with the team for the rest of the season. Since that time, Nketiah has now scored three goals in four appearances.

This was his best performance of the lot. Not only did he burst into the penalty area and prod home a rebounded finish to extend the Gunners’ lead; his all-around play was excellent. He dropped deep to shuttle the ball forwards; he ran into the channels to stretch the pitch and create space for others; he worked incessantly hard to recover possession, tracking back into midfield and pressing the Portsmouth centre-halves.

While Nketiah has flourished upon his return to Arsenal, presumed started Alexandre Lacazette has endured his worst run at the club. He may have scored in two of his last three outings, but his overall play has depreciated as his confidence has cratered. Nketiah even started over Lacazette in the last two league games. The young gun is challenging the master, and at this stage, he might just be deserving of that precious starting spot.