Mikel Arteta hints at big changes to Arsenal team after Eddie Nketiah claim

27 August 2023 , 18:40

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Mikel Arteta hints at big changes to Arsenal team after Eddie Nketiah claim

Mikel Arteta has suggested plenty of changes to how his Arsenal side line up are imminent following Saturday's 2-2 draw at home against Fulham.

The Gunners have now played three league games so far this term, winning two and drawing one. While that is by no means a poor start, Arsenal have been earmarked as title contenders and as a result any dropped points are a huge concern to the Emirates faithful.

The red half of north London has been particularly tense in the opening month, with the players playing like they can really feel the weight of expectation on their shoulders this time around. If last season was somewhat of a free hit in terms of the title race, things are very different this campaign.

Arsenal welcomed Fulham to the Emirates and handed their guests a gift inside the opening 60 seconds when Bukayo Saka's underhit backpass allowed Andreas Pereira to capitalise and put the Cottagers in front. The Brazilian's goal marked the third time the Gunners have fallen behind in the first minute in their last nine league home matches.

A penalty from Bukayo Saka in the second half drew Arsenal level, before Eddie Nketiah put the hosts in front with his second goal of the season. The young striker was dropped from the starting line-up for the first time this term, but he responded in emphatic fashion.

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Unfortunately for Nketiah, his goal was not the winning one as Joao Palhinha equalised Fulham with less than 10 minutes left to play. After the game, Arteta waxed lyrical over the 24-year-old's performance and then hinted at bringing in some fringe players out from the cold in place of some misfiring stars.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Nketiah start next week against Manchester United? Comment below

Eddie Nketiah put Arsenal in front

"Great. He looks a real threat at the moment, he’s in a good moment and I think he’s full of confidence," the Arsenal boss explained. "I saw it straight away when I told him he was coming on in the second half, the fire in the eyes and he’s got an eye for goal. The way he finished the action was top."

Pressed for comment on whether it was difficult to leave Nketiah out of the starting line-up, Arteta added: "It’s difficult to leave all the players out. When I see the bench, there are a lot of players who still haven’t played. In two weeks that’s going to be a completely different scenario & we are prepared for that."

The likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson could also play more starring roles in the weeks that follow.

Josh O'Brien