Arsenal fans might be alarmed by Eddie Nketiah’s comments after scoring the winner vs Liverpool

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah did his old side a favour on Saturday, scoring a late winner for Crystal Palace against Liverpool.

Prior to Liverpool’s defeat in south London, Arsenal’s Premier League title rivals had a perfect domestic record, and Arne Slot’s side almost looked inevitable.

Liverpool hadn’t been at their best so far this season, and yet prior to losing to Crystal Palace, they’d won all five of their opening games.

But thanks to Palace and Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal now have reason to believe that they can catch up with Slot’s side, who previously looked like winning every game. 

Ian Wright once thought Nketiah could come back to haunt Arsenal, but in actual fact, Mikel Arteta’s old number 14 has come in clutch for his boyhood side on this occasion.

Eddie Nketiah explains why Arsenal can learn from Crystal Palace’s late win

That being said, when speaking to Sky Sports after scoring his winning goal, Nketiah made a comment that was pretty pertinent to Arsenal’s struggles right now.

In recent weeks, Arteta’s side have been accused of playing with the handrake on, particularly in matches against Liverpool and Manchester City.

Arsenal didn’t win either match against their Premier League rivals, even if they dominated possession versus City in particular.

But in line with Oliver Glasner’s, ‘we always play to win’ mentality, Palace created a plethora of chances against Liverpool themselves.

And when speaking after full-time, Nketiah mentioned exactly that.

READ MORE: After Tim Lewis exit, Stan Kroenke now has ‘cutthroat’ £1bn Arsenal masterplan

Nketiah said: “We always keep believing. There was still time to play. The manager said to stay calm and you will get another situation and thankfully we did.

“There aren’t many teams who can create that many chances against Liverpool so a thoroughly deserved three points.”

Palace had 2.70 xG against Liverpool on Saturday, whereas Arsenal had just 0.39 xG at Anfield last month.

Arsenal need to mirror Oliver Glasner’s fearless approach

Whilst Palace don’t bear the same pressure of expectation that Arsenal do, Nketiah’s comments feel pretty pertinent given that Arteta is somewhat reluctant to go all guns blazing.

Arsenal played Liverpool at Anfield – it isn’t the same scenario at all, but perhaps had Arteta’s side mirrored Palace’s attacking ambitions, the Premier League table might look very different.

Of course, Arsenal do have another chance to show their attacking ambition on the road against top opposition on Sunday.

Arteta’s side face a tricky trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United, and Theo Walcott thinks Arsenal will win.

However, Roy Keane isn’t backing Arsenal, and it is a game that is very delicately poised.

But if Arsenal want to make the most of Nketiah’s title-race favour, they need to collect all three points on Tyneside.