Arteta backs Eddie Nketiah to return despite ‘hat-trick’ miss and readymade Arsenal alternative

Mikel Arteta has a decision to make with his forward line against Aston Villa. The team needs to change, be it the personnel, the system or the attitude. But the Gunners need to find something different to get them out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves.

Three league games without a win has seen them drop to second despite the potential parachute of a game in hand at home to Everton – although a repeat of the last meeting between the pair would eradicate that. At the heart of these three games has been not only defensive question marks for Arsenal but a lack of composure in the box.

Arsenal have scored just one goal from open play in the games against Everton, Brentford and Manchester City. Eddie Nketiah had come in for Gabriel Jesus effectively at first, scoring regularly and also working hard to replicate the Brazilian’s energy.

READ MORE: Kieran Tierney has proven Gabriel Martinelli myth wrong as Arsenal consider Aston Villa changes

However, the past three league games have brought his position into question and his overall performances have looked more tired with late runs lacking the same energy they did after the World Cup. That said, he still has the confidence of his manager.

Speaking ahead of the game against Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta was asked whether Nketiah’s form had indeed dipped, along with Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal manager was quick to point out how different the conversation could have been if fate had fallen differently against Manchester City.

“The most difficult is to score goals and Eddie produced a penalty that could have been a goal,” Arteta explained. “He could have scored a hat-trick against Manchester City and then we’re talking about something else.

“Unfortunately he didn’t and so we have these debates. But we have full confidence in these kids.”

Arteta has options and a good one. The club bought Leandro Trossard from Brighton in the winter window and so far has only been a substitute in the fixtures he’s featured in so far.

Arteta raved about his new signing’s ability to play in multiple positions but has so far used him in just one. The Spaniard said when Trossard arrived: “He is a versatile player with high technical ability, intelligence and a great deal of experience in the Premier League and at [the] international level.

“Leandro strengthens our squad as we head into the second part of the season and we’re all looking forward to working with him. We welcome Leandro and his family to Arsenal Football Club.”

One of the areas that he has experience in is centre-forward. He played the role on numerous occasions for Brighton and scored in big games at Liverpool and against Newcastle, Brentford and Chelsea.

There’s little doubt that he could come into the central role and figure and there’s a strong argument he should do so again today. Arsenal need change, the question is: is Arteta willing to make it?

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