Mikel Arteta was delighted with the contribution of Eddie Nketiah in the 5-0 win over Sheffield United, as the striker fired a hugely impressive hat-trick – his first in the Premier League.
His treble put us three goals to the good inside the hour and takes his overall tally for the club now to 37. “I’m really happy for him,” the manager said after the game as quoted by the club’s official website. “Three very different goals that required a lot of quality and composure. He had a few weeks where he hasn’t scored a goal and today he had an opportunity, with a great performance and three beautiful goals.
“He’s always there, he’s always available, always willing to improve and give his best for the team, he’s playing a lot, he’s started eight games in the Premier League this season, that’s a lot, that tells you the level of trust that we have towards him.”
The boss also explained his decision to give the captain’s armband to Bukayo Saka, as part of the 22 year old’s next stage of progression. “He deserves it,” the boss said. “His journey is extraordinary, he’s one of our most important players. His role in the team and in the club has grown, and his leadership and presence has to grow at the same level, he needs to start to make those steps and I think he’s ready for that.”