Eddie Nketiah was brilliant for Arsenal in their 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. The typically out of favour forward scored twice and was a nightmare for the Blues’ backline.
There has been so much focus on the striker, or strikers, that Arsenal need to sign this summer that the existing cohort’s possible contribution can be overlooked. However, that conversation shows no sign of disappearing.
Despite Nketiah's efforts against Chelsea, it is clear that Arsenal still need to take action in their striker department. Spurs may have a comparatively worse overall starting XI but Antonio Conte has been able to rely on the world-class talent of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min - as well as the January boost of Dejan Kulusevski.
READ MORE: Eddie Nketiah sends Arsenal critic into apologetic spiral after Chelsea brace teaches key lesson
To really challenge at the highest level, the Gunners and Mikel Arteta will need access to their own world-class level forwards. Naturally, this has seen them linked with some of the most highly-regarded forwards around.
Darwin Nunez of Benfica, Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Jonathan David of Lille have all been touted and represent a collection of young forwards with world-class potential. However, Nketiah's performance provided a crucial look at a characteristic Arteta needs to look for.
One thing the Spaniard has demanded from his team has been energy. He wants his side to pressure the opponent and force mistakes. That certainly was the case last night and Nketiah led from the front in this manner.
The former England Under-21 captain amounted a staggering 24 pressures throughout the game. 45.8% saw Arsenal win back possession within five seconds of the pressure taking place. This is an exceptional return and standout output for its type.
Jonathan David is considered one of the most dynamic young forwards around. One of the striker’s characteristics that shine through is the way in which he presses throughout games.
According to FBRef, David ranks in the 89th percentile of players in the same position for pressures in the last year. This season he has averaged 18.6 pressures per 90. Which, considering his ranking, demonstrates the energy shown by Nketiah against Chelsea.
Having access to a forward of David’s quality who also possesses such energy would be a true asset to Arteta. Reports earlier this year quoted the Canadian international as having a £45 million price tag according to a report from Jeunes Footeux.
It was guaranteed that Arsenal were always going to be required to invest significantly in whichever striker they ended up getting. However, when both Nunez and Osimhen’s price tags are reaching the mid-£60million mark it is worth checking the pressure data.
Nunez ranks in just the 51st percentile for pressures whereas Osimhen is slightly better and sits in the 69th percentile. Of course, their goal output has been higher than David, hence the price increase. However, it is important Arsenal get a player that can match the expectations of the coach.
This isn’t to say that Osimhen and Nunez couldn’t be coached to improve this, however, having a readymade source of pressing talent available could allow an easier transition. David certainly ticks this box.
