Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, says Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is seizing his moment after his double against Oxford United set up an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester City.
The 23-year-old has now scored five goals in as many games as he continues to deputise for Gabriel Jesus after the Brazil forward suffered a knee injury at the World Cup.
Nketiah struck twice in the 3-0 victory at the Kassam Stadium, two smart finishes adding the gloss to a difficult game following Mohamed Elneny’s headed opener.
Having started the season on the bench, Nketiah is now Arsenal’s joint-leading goalscorer alongside the more regular first-team starters Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
“Obviously he’s been waiting for this moment,” Arteta said of Nketiah following the victory.
“He’s been patient when he needed to be but as well he’s been with the right mindset and preparing himself for this moment.
“That’s why I think he looks ready and why he’s performing the way he is. He showed great composure.
“He’s a great finisher, the timing of his runs and the decision-making in waiting until the last moment when the keeper was committed shows his quality.
“His understanding, his work-rate, I think he’s getting better and better.”
With Jesus out, Nketiah is now the only recognised striker in Arteta’s ranks and the Arsenal boss is hoping for some back-up to arrive in the January window as his side aim to build on their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
