EDDIE NKETIAH is the man tasked with filling the boots of Gabriel Jesus, but based on this evidence it may be an uphill challenge.
During Arsenal’s final mid-season friendly before the return of domestic football, Nketiah was set up with a glorious opportunity to put his side 1-0 ahead against Juventus.
The Hale End graduate pounced onto a sloppy back pass in the Italian side’s defence to set himself up with a near open goal.
However, he spurned this chance by crashing his shot against the woodwork.
And this lack of ruthlessness was duly punished as Granit Xhaka then inadvertently headed the ball into his own net just before the break.
Nketiah has not been having the best of luck throughout the game.
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Just before his miss he thought he had put Mikel Arteta’s side a goal ahead only for it to be ruled out.
The 23-year-old has played understudy to Jesus throughout the season.
And following the Brazilian’s injury he will now be tasked with leading the line for the next three months – unless Arsenal sign a direct replacement.
He has proved a capable deputy in the Europa League, scoring twice.
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But his record when he plays in the Prem is what he will ultimately be judged by.
A purple patch at the end of last season saw Nketiah score five goals in seven games, including braces against Chelsea and Leeds.
Despite victory in their last two friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan, Arsenal will be ending their mid-season with a loss after Rob Holding deflected an effort into his own net to compound Arsenal to a 2-0 loss.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
