Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal: 4 talking points from miserable Everton defeat

By Ross Kennerley

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal cuts a dejected figure following the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal cuts a dejected figure following the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Eddie Nketiah
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Mason Holgate of Everton and Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Eddie Nketiah Wastes His Chance

Is it fair for fans to have expected much from Eddie Nketiah, or was the disappointing showing from the 21-year-old no more than supporters have come to expect?

A little bit of column A and a little bit of column B.

Starting well, Nketiah hounded down the ball and pressed intently as he has done throughout his time in a Gunners shirt, seeking to force errors in Everton’s first line of defence and get his side pushing up the pitch.

That positive opening faded quickly.

In terms of hold-up play, link-up play and back-to-goal instances, Nketiah failed to excite. He struggled against the centre-back pairing of Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey, coming out second best on near every occasion, while even the work-rate he has to fall back exited his game.

Mikel Arteta could be heard trying to keep the forward in the game, bellowing words of encouragement at him when fitness and belief had dissipated. If there were any doubts before there are no more now: Nketiah will be sold in the summer.

This is, of course, his first start in the Premier League since facing the same opposition on matchday 14, but with a decision on Folarin Balogun’s future made, his time will come to and end.

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