Mikel Arteta lauds Nketiah and Lacazette after Arsenal win

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Mikel Arteta has insisted, in comments reported by Football London, that Eddie Nketiah deserved to start Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle United after training phenomenally, while he also shared what he told Alexandre Lacazette as he dropped down to the bench.

The Gunners have extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games. Nevertheless, the 4-0 thrashing of the Magpies will have come as a relief after four draws in a row in the league.

It may have surprised some when the lineups were announced with Nketiah starting ahead of Lacazette.

The youngster was awaiting his first Premier League start heading into the game. But with Lacazette going more than two months without a goal, Arteta decided to make the change.

And the Arsenal boss insisted that Nketiah had done enough to force his way into the side. But he also expressed his delight for Lacazette, who rounded off the scoring in the victory.

“The message is very clear. Whoever trains like they do and I see they have the abilities, qualities and the hunger to perform like he has done today, he’s got a chance to play,” he said, as reported by Football London.

“Today I decided to play Eddie because he’s been training in a phenomenal way. I decided for him not to go on loan and to stay and I have to support that decision.

“Laca has been playing all the games with me, he hasn’t scored and I told him the decision today – why – and he accepted it really well. I said ‘you will come out and score a goal, he did and I am so pleased, not just for the goal but for the reaction of all his teammates and the staff because they showed how much they love him”

It is fantastic for Arsenal that they have so many exciting attacking options. Nketiah looked bright during his time on the pitch.

It looks to be a matter of time before he is starting games regularly at the highest level.

And any side that is able to bring Lacazette off the bench with five minutes remaining clearly has the potential to be in a brilliant position.

It would arguably be naive to suggest that Arsenal have addressed all of their issues. But they are definitely moving in the right direction with Arteta at the helm.