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Football London
Football London
Sport
Chris Wheatley

Mikel Arteta explains why he decided to keep Eddie Nketiah at Arsenal

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is the club's top scorer after he netted the opening goal in Thursday's Europa League win over Dundalk.

Nketiah, who had a brief spell on loan at Leeds last season, has been a focal point of the Gunners attack during their Europa League group stage campaign.

Mikel Arteta's side have scored just ten goals in the Premier League, with isolated captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring once from open play this season.

In the Europa League the Gunners have scored 20 goals, with Nketiah looking confident and scoring regularly as the club's main centre forward for European competition.

"The main reason we decided to keep Eddie at the club and not send him on loan was because we saw his hunger and ability to score goals consistently," said Arteta.

"He has been doing that since he joined the first team and has been performing really well. On Thursday night he was a threat again and, like everyone else, he has a chance to start the game on Sunday."

Speaking ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Burnley, Arteta explained the strengths of Sean Dyche's side and what to expect from them.

“Burnley are really organised and a constant threat as they play really direct and play that game really really well. They manage the first, second and third phases really well.

"There is the way they attack the box and set pieces are obviously key as well. They are difficult to break down as they have been working together with the same manager for a long time.

"They know each other really well. They are disciplined and have a good spirit and character in their team and are always ready to fight and make it difficult for you."

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