Arteta has been so impressed with £100k-a-week Arsenal man’s work-rate

Arsenal avoided a potential banana skin last night as they progressed to the fourth round of FA Cup.

After a turgid first-half, Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah made sure the Gunners overcame League One side Oxford United.

Yesterday’s result sets up a meeting with Manchester City at The Etihad in the next round.

It’s the toughest test Arteta’s side could have faced, and the winner will inevitably be favourites to go on and lift the trophy.

Before then, Arsenal have another tough test to prepare for, as they go to fierce rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

A win for the Gunners would be huge, particularly given their poor record away to Spurs in the league.

The hosts also desperately need three points to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive.

After the match, Arteta spoke about how impressed he was with Nketiah’s work-rate.

The 23-year-old has been under plenty of scrutiny over the past few weeks.

Gabriel Jesus’s injury has meant the young forward has been thrown straight into the starting line-up.

But, he’s immediately stepped up and is now the club’s top goal scorer in all competitions.

Arteta impressed with Nketiah’s work-rate

Speaking to the club’s official website about the forward, Arteta said: “It’s not only that – his understanding, his work rate I think is getting better and better.

“And I’m really happy with him.”

The £100,000-a-week forward showcased his exceptional composure in front of goal last night.

After rounding the keeper for his first goal, his deft chip for his second was the pick of the goals.

One of the things that Jesus has brought to Arsenal since arriving from Manchester City has been his work off the ball.

Nketiah’s work-rate has lived up to that already, and it’s no surprise Arteta was impressed again last night.