Arsenal arrested their poor form since the return of Premier League action with a 2-0 win away to Southampton on Thursday evening.
Eddie Nketiah did much to impress Mikel Arteta and prove his value to the Arsenal front line when he opened the scoring 20 minutes in before Joe Willock added an all-important second goal in the 85th minute to secure the three points.
The win for Arsenal will be crucial in their run-in between now and the end of the season after disappointing defeats to Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion since the league return on June 17.
Three points moves Arsenal up to ninth and within six points of Manchester United in fifth with seven league games remaining this season.
Arteta’s decision to start Nketiah in front of Alexandre Lacazette gave the youngster a good opportunity to prove his quality as a centre-forward around the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe.
The 21-year-old had registered just one full 90 minutes prior to the trip to the St. Mary’s Stadium, which came in a 3-2 win against Everton back in February. However, he rewarded Arteta for handing him a start when he opened the scoring in the 20th minute.
While Alex McCarthy was ultimately at fault for the goal, Nketiah did well to press the Saints goalkeeper and earned his reward for tirelessly closing down the 30-year-old. Such intensity was a key theme from the 21-year-old throughout the first half who worked hard to regain possession and put Arsenal on the front foot.
In addition to the goal, Nketiah did well to dispossess Southampton in key areas which was a testament to his energy and work rate. That type of energy from the front may have been a reason for Arteta preferring the youngster over Lacazette who perhaps offers more threats in connecting play and linking up with others.
Nketiah, though, showed why he can be a viable option for the Arsenal boss with a chance in additional time at the end of the first half. Pepe did well to regain the ball and play the striker through but he appeared to be caught in two minds as he spoiled the chance. Nevertheless, such link-up play showcases how he adds positive elements to the Arsenal attack.
Southampton’s added energy in the second half saw them enjoy more possession and restricted the involvement of Nketiah compared to his contributions in the first 45 minutes.
Limited opportunities in possession throughout the second half proved why Nketiah has plenty to do before becoming a guaranteed starter under Arteta but his involvement throughout the game should be viewed as a real positive.
He eventually came off in the 79th minute for Alexandre Lacazette but the 21-year-old’s performance showcased a number of abilities that perhaps the Frenchman does not have.
Nketiah’s continued work rate and intensity in leading from the front was rewarded by McCarthy’s mistake and such a goal highlights why Arteta views him as a promising long-term option at the Emirates Stadium.
