The striker was the hero for the Gunners in Switzerland on Thursday night, scoring the winning goal as they beat FC Zurich 2-1 to start their European campaign with a win.
It was well-deserved reward for Nketiah, who enjoyed his first start of the season after previously being restricted to impressive cameos in the top flight.
This was particularly the case against Fulham last month when Mikel Arteta took off left-back Kieran Tierney and threw on Nketiah. From 1-0 down, he helped turn things around as Arsenal won 2-1.
The 23-year-old, who signed a new long-term deal in the summer, further made his case to start in Switzerland. It showed why the Europa League will be an important competition for Arsenal this season as it will satisfy the players’ hunger for more minutes.
Eddie Nketiah scored the winning goal for Arsenal on his first start of the season in Zurich
/ Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesNketiah brought on debutant Marquinhos for Arsenal’s opener in the 16th minute and then, after giving away a penalty which Mirlind Kriesiu converted, he scored the winner in the second half, slotting home at the back post.
The goal capped off an impressive display from Nketiah, who until now had to sit back and watch Gabriel Jesus go down at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian is clearly Arsenal’s first-choice No.9, but the Europa League will give Nketiah the opportunity to show he is a viable competitor and possibly someone who could even play alongside Jesus.
There has been a marked improvement in Nketiah’s all-round game since the summer. He looks stronger and his ability to hold the ball and connect play is developing quickly.
On that evidence, Nketiah will be crucial to Arsenal’s hopes of ending their 28-year wait for a European trophy
Before with Nketiah, there was a sense that he was nothing more than a penalty kicker. But he has adapted his game to become a more complete striker.
That’s what Arteta demands from his No.9 and it’s clear that Jesus’ arrival has prompted Nketiah to emulate what Manchester City’s £45m signing offers.
On several occasions in Switzerland, Nketiah had the ball at his feet and brought it back, but was equally happy to twist and turn his man before blasting the Zurich defense – a skill Jesus has used frequently this season.
Nketiah led the line well and his assist for Marquinhos’ goal highlighted the composure he brings to his game. Played in by Fabio Vieira, who impressed on his first Arsenal start, Nketiah ran the ball down the left flank before setting up Marquinhos with a cross.
The 19-year-old Brazilian made no mistake, firing over before falling to his knees as the emotion of scoring on his debut washed over him.
After a clumsy challenge from Nketiah before half-time that gave Zurich a penalty and an equaliser, you feared he would leave Switzerland as a villain.
Instead, however, Nketiah became the hero in the second half, peeling off his marker and tapping Marquinhos’ cross off the back post.
It was no more than Nketiah deserved and after having to wait six weeks for his first start, the 23-year-old will be pleased to have made his mark.
When he signed in the summer, Nketiah insisted he made the decision because he was confident he would get the minutes he wanted at Arsenal.
On the evidence of Thursday night, he may be right and if Arteta is to achieve his goal of ending Arsenal’s 28-year wait for a European trophy, Nketiah will be crucial.