Eddie Nketiah Admits New Arsenal Frustration

Eddie Nketiah has praised Gabriel Jesus’ outstanding start to life at Arsenal, but he also acknowledges that his own lack of first-team opportunities has gotten frustrating.

Nketiah had been rumoured to depart the Gunners after his last contract expired in the summer, but he signed a new five-year contract to remain with the team after making an impression on Mikel Arteta at the tail end of the previous campaign, scoring five league goals in seven appearances.

Nketiah’s first-team opportunities have been limited thus far in the season due to the £45 million summer acquisition of Jesus, who came from Manchester City.

The 23-year-old has participated in each of Arsenal’s nine games this season, although he has yet to start a Premier League game.

Influence of Jesus

Jesus has now scored five goals and provided three assists for his new team since joining the Emirates Stadium.

In spite of Nketiah’s diminished role in recent weeks as a result, the Arsenal player was full of admiration for his new teammate ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt.

What was said by Nketiah?

Jesus is a fantastic player, “Nketiah stated on Wednesday night. “He’s enjoyable to play with and watch. I’m incredibly thrilled for him because he’s off the field a lovely man and has had a great start.

“I really don’t think of it as me vs him; I think of what’s best for the team. We’ll occasionally engage in cooperative play. We have demonstrated our ability to cooperate while having fun.

“We demonstrated our ability to work together when we played each other in the preseason. We both strike the ball fluidly and enjoy moving about. He’s off to a strong start, so let’s hope it continues for the team.

Against Bodo/Glimt, the Hale End grad is set to start in front of Jesus once more. Nketiah emphasised that he is prepared to step up and secure more first-team action, despite the fact that he believes Jesus deserves all the praise that is being directed at him.

Aiming to start and help the team, Nketiah

“My goal is to start and contribute to the squad, but I respect the coach’s decision,” Nketiah continued. My responsibility is to continue working hard and performing.

“We’re only one month into the season, and it’s long. When you play for any large club there is always going to be competition, I’m not shy of that.”

“There will be a lot of opportunities for me to play, whether that be in Europe or in the league. I’m glad to be a member of a successful squad. I’ll keep working hard to prove that I merit additional playing time.”