Nketiah’s coming of age Arsenal performance in Chelsea win

Much-maligned and often the scapegoat, Eddie Nketiah has not had it easy throughout his Arsenal career. Against the odds, when chosen to lead the line in the absence of Alexandre Lacazette who was recovering from COVID, the 22-year-old produced his best-ever performance in an Arsenal shirt.

What was great about it was that it was a complete center forward’s game. His two goals were well taken, and one could argue that had Alexandre Lacazette been on the end of the misplaced back pass, the visitors would not have been in front as the Frenchman lacks the speed to capitalize on that type of chance.

Nketiah produced when he needed to. His ability to link up with his fellow teammates, constantly pressing, getting down the sides of Chelsea’s defense, and most importantly, finishing his work, all helped Arsenal secure a vital win that now thrusts them back into the top four race, with only goal difference separating themselves and Tottenham in fourth.

It was a type of game that we have not seen from Nketiah. He was confident, assured, and looked as if he relished the chance to go up against a side that at home, is usually very tough to beat. Stamford Bridge has notoriously been an unhappy hunting ground for the Gunners, but they are now making a habit of winning there.

Eddie Nketiah produced his finest performance for Arsenal with a brace in the 4-2 Premier league win over Chelsea – and now the No. 9 spot is his

It was a performance that perhaps makes fans think that the club could do with his services next season. While he has largely been up and down for the majority of his career, we have not seen a game “like this” where he takes control of the attacking third and is a major reason his team wins.

There has not been the statement game from the Englishman, only flashes here and there. Against Chelsea, he more than flashed, he dominated. Up against Andreas Christensen, Malang Sarr, and Thiago Silva in the second half, he more than held his own.

After rejecting a new contract months ago, Nketiah looks certain to move on at season’s end, but would Arsenal be thinking about upper the terms? He spoke on The Beautiful Game podcast and was asked if we will be leaving the Emirates at season’s end and said that his stance on his current contract situation is the same as it was months ago and that he wants to play games.

"“It’s difficult to say,” Nketiah said.“Obviously at the moment I’d say my stance is the same, I want to play games.”"

If he performs as he did against Chelsea for the remainder of the season (six games) he could very well propel Arsenal into a Champions League spot and could see far more playing time next season.

Whether that happens or not remains to be seen, but the 22-year-old has shown that against the big Premier League teams, he can produce what is required for a team of the stature of Arsenal. He just needs to do it consistently.

It was pleasant viewing at Stamford Bridge as another young star thrust his name up in lights after a well-rounded performance that netted him two important goals. We just hope that this is not a flash in the pan.