Arsenal: 3 standout players from Chelsea win

3. Eddie Nketiah

Two goals in his second start of the season. Nketiah will be absolutely buzzing as will all Arsenal fans. The qualities he provides are not particularly unique, however; it has been so long since we have seen some of them that he has provided a breath of fresh air into the squad.

His pressing, drive and commitment, not just to harry Chelsea’s makeshift backline but to get on the scoresheet had fans leaping out of their seats. When was the last time Lacazette burst forward with that kind of energy and pace? Nketiah’s pure desire paid off as he punished Chelsea for a poor back pass before fighting in the box to put a bouncing ball into the back of the net for his second.

Beyond his goals and general liveliness, he also dropped deep on occasion, receiving the ball into feet before moving it on. Seeing a striker with more than one strength (and one who is actually clinical) was a sight for sore eyes. Nketiah doesn’t have the frame or strength to offer that physical target man-esque presence but if he keeps going with the form he displayed against Chelsea, fans won’t mind.

Arteta will have gone into the game filled with trepidation. He has struggled to get the best out of his team since the international game. With the recent injuries, he knows he doesn’t have the quality he needs in the squad. Despite this, with some tactical tinkering and impressive standout performances, he was able to secure a much-needed one.

Six more cup finals to go.