Don't Miss

Pundit claims Arsenal won’t win the title with Nketiah

By Ritayan Chatterjee on February 16, 2023

Former striker turned pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Arsenal will not win the title this term if Eddie Nketiah continues to lead the line for the Gunners’ going forward.

Despite enjoying a brilliant start to this campaign, the north London club have been enduring a tough time in recent weeks as they haven’t been able to win in the last three consecutive Premier League encounters. As a consequence of that, after sitting top of the table for several months, they have now lost their perch and dropped down to the second spot on goal difference.

Nketiah has been starting in recent weeks amid Gabriel Jesus’ injury absence and he has been impressing until last night’s 3-1 defeat against title rivals Manchester City. The 23-year-old was presented with two glorious opportunities to score for Arsenal but he failed to capitalise on both chances.

Pundit claims Arsenal won’t win title with Nketiah

Speaking on talkSport, Agbonlahor has said that although Nketiah has done well in recent times, he is not a world-class forward and a top-class striker is needed to win league titles. So, the Gunners are not going to win the league this term with the academy graduate leading the line.

Agbonlahor said:

“He’s done totally well, but he’s not a world-class striker. Eddie Nketiah is not a world-class striker. Is he a striker that can go five, six, seven, eight games and fill in for Gabriel Jesus, yes he is? But he’s not going to win the league for Arsenal.”

It is true that Nketiah isn’t a world-class forward yet, but he possesses almost every attribute to become one going forward if he is given the right guidance and proper game time.

It is worth remembering that players don’t become top-class without gaining experience of playing at the highest level for a long time. And the 23-year-old doesn’t have that yet.

So, although Nketiah – valued at around £16m by Transfermarkt – endured a tough time last night, I believe Arteta should continue giving the youngster the necessary backing and support, which will help him flourish and reach his full potential.