Eddie Nketiah makes ‘tough’ confession about Arsenal striker role

Eddie Nketiah says his striker role at Arsenal is “tough” as the Gunners compete to become Premier League champions.

The 24-year-old entered the season as Arsenal’s second-choice number nine but has not started a single game in 2024 due to the team’s abundance of talent in forward positions, with summer signing Kai Havertz enjoying a fruitful spell in the team.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Nketiah opened up about his struggles within the team and the expectations set.

“It’s a tough role, but something I enjoy playing,” he said. “I think it all depends on the type of game and what the manager wants, where the spaces will be. You can have good days and bad days, but I try to give my best to help the team every time I step out there.

“Mikel is always demanding and pushing us to be the best versions of ourselves. I’m at a stage in my career where I’m comfortable dropping deeper, coming to feet and arriving in goal-scoring positions – but also being on the shoulder of the last man because I can get in behind to threaten defences.”

Arsenal are currently enjoying a successful season in both the Premier League and Champions League, pushing to earn silverware in both competitions.

On the possibility of being crowned champions this season, Nketiah said: “We came close last year and we know what it is like to be involved in it so that experience is going to do us well.

“Every player that’s joined has added something in their own way. All the players that were here before have developed and improved and got more experience based off last season. We’re taking one game at a time but we’re in a good place and we’re really hungry [to win] and do something for the fans.”

Arsenal’s next fixture comes against Manchester City on Sunday, a game that could decide who will lift the league trophy this season.