‘I haven’t had the courage’: Arteta says he has been scared to do one thing at Arsenal this season

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta spoke to the media last night about Eddie Nketiah after the youngster stole the show against Chelsea.

The Englishman was handed a start for the second game in a row as Alexandre Lacazette hadn’t fully recovered. Nketiah couldn’t do much against Southampton last weekend, but he showed everyone why he’s rated so highly last night.

The 22-year-old scored twice against the Blues to help Arsenal pick up a much-needed 4-2 win. That puts the Gunners right back in the mix for a place in the top four, and if they get there, they’ll have to thank their young English forward.

Arteta was asked why Nketiah wasn’t given more chances earlier in the season. The Gunners boss, surprisingly, claimed he didn’t have the courage to do it.

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Mikel Arteta: Why I didn’t give more chances to Eddie Nketiah

In his press conference after the game, the Spaniard said, as per Arsenal.com: “If there is one player that I have been unfair with, I think it is him (Nketiah).

“He has given me every right to do something different.

“So if Eddie hasn’t played more, it’s my fault and because as a manager I have missed something or I haven’t had the courage to play him more.

“Today he showed me again how wrong I was.”

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Nketiah has always been a prolific goalscorer while coming through the ranks at Arsenal. Sadly, he hasn’t quite had enough opportunities with the senior side to replicate that form.

If Lacazette was fully fit, Nketiah may not have started the game last night and Arsenal probably wouldn’t have managed to beat Chelsea in their own backyard. The youngster grabbed the opportunity with both hands and the Frenchman may not start another game this season as a result.

It’s a shame for Arsenal and Arteta that Nketiah will be leaving the club on a free transfer this summer, barring a late change of heart. He will surely be a success wherever he ends up, and that may come back to haunt the Gunners in the future.

Arsenal host Manchester United at lunchtime on Saturday and Nketiah will likely start up front again.

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