Eddie Nketiah says he doesn’t feel like he’s under any pressure even though his match-winning cameo against Norwich City earlier in the season has seen his name thrust into the spotlight.
Having featured in the Gunners pre-season tour of China and Australia, the 18-year-old was given a chance to impress in the Carabao Cup third round, which he did, immediately, by grabbing two goals off the bench. He was quickly feted on the terraces with his own chant.
The youngster, who grew up an Arsenal fan before signing for Chelsea, has since featured in the Europa League and has five appearances in total so far this campaign.
“That night will stay with me for ever,” he said, when asked by Arsenal.com to reflect on his debut brace at the Emirates.
“I’m just so grateful to the boss for giving me the chance and to the fans for welcoming me by singing my name like that. I’m just happy to have been able to help the team with a couple of goals.
“It was another great moment and was nice to be able to give back to the boss for believing in me.
“I wasn’t really nervous, I’ve been scoring goals all my life, so I’ve always believed I could go out there and do it.
“To bring it into reality was incredible and I wouldn’t say I feel any pressure now. I’m just trying to stick to my normal game and play and train hard, so that when the next opportunity arises I’m ready to make the impact again.”
Nketiah is expected to be on the bench this evening as Arsenal entertain West Ham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
You have a great future kid. Keep your head up.
Eddie don’t cry,
You gotta keep your head up,
Even when the road is hard,
never give up.
Come on Eddie! Score some goals tonight (no pressure).
Can’t wait for him to pick up his Balloon d’or next year. No pressure…
*acceptance speech* – My name is my name!
Can’t wait for him to score the winning penalty against Germany in the World Cup final next summer.
No pressure though.
Who is Mbappe ? No pressure.
This kid is a breath of fresh air. It’s high time something new and fresh happened to Arsenal Football Club. Keep up the good work Eddie; we’re all behind you.
Keep your head down and work hard Eddie. Don’t be the next Chuba but be our first Eddie. Hard work always pay off.
Eddie McGoldrick!
BOSS
Anyone know how he’s been doing with the reserves since Norwich?
Info on all our youngsters comes up on https://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/ which is Arseblog contributor Jeorge Birds site.
He’s been smashing it for England too.
The person who should actually be feeling the pressure in my opinion is Walcott, with the emergence of Eddie and Nelson.
He seems to be the play for the contract renewal type – saying that sadly because even when we were interested in Vardy, I was one of those who preferred Walcott over Vardy.
Or maybe he thinks he can bide his time until he’s the only star left. Who knows. Walcottian Football Negotiations are going to be a case study due to the sheer mystery of the half-fulfilled man. Is he hot air? Is he lazy? Are tabloids academic reading?
Stay tuned, for the next two years.
If only I could downvote more than once!! You read an article about a young player full of potential and instead enjoying the promise and youth, you manage to find a way to be negative about someone else?
No! just No!
Front three of Welbeck Theo Eddie? Ollie off the bench?
My name is my name!