Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has heaped praise onto Eddie Nketiah after the Hale Ender marked his return to Mikel Arteta's starting line-up with his first Premier League goal of the season.
Prior to the Gunners' Boxing Day win over West Ham United, Nketiah had only featured in 141 minutes of league action. However, following Gabriel Jesus' injury in the World Cup, the 23-year-old looks set to lead the line for the time-being and started his first league game since May.
After a quiet opening 45 minutes, Nketiah began to alter proceedings in north London as the Gunners came from behind to score three second half goals. The striker made sure of the three points with a fine finish after brilliantly leaving Thilo Kehrer.
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The victory means the Gunners are now seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Manchester City return to action tomorrow (Wednesday, December 28) at Leeds United and can cut the gap down to five points before the two meet in February.
Should Arsenal manage to lift their first league title since 2004, they will need the best out of Nketiah in the number nine position and Bukayo Saka has reiterated his belief in his fellow Hale End graduate. "Gabi (Gabriel Jesus) is going to be a big miss but I'm so happy for Eddie, I feel like we all believed in him and that's what we need to do," he said after the win.
"When everybody believes in him, that's what he can do but we have to encourage him. We have me, Gabi (Gabriel Martinelli), Martin (Odegaard) and even our centre-backs chipping in with goals. Everyone is going to be so important."
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