Eddie Nketiah was ‘delighted’ to see Arsene Wenger make his long-awaited return to the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal’s 3-1 win over West Ham.
The former Arsenal manager hadn’t been back to his old club since his departure over four years ago but was back in the stands on Boxing Day, much to the delight of a capacity crowd.
Wenger watched on as Mikel Arteta’s table toppers fell behind to Said Benrahma’s 27th minute penalty but a spirited second half fightback saw Arsenal open up a seven-point gap over Newcastle, who moved into second place earlier on Monday following a convincing win at Leicester.
Goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Nketiah all featured football the legendary Frenchman would have been proud of, but it was the game-clinching strike from Gabriel Jesus’ deputy that would have been most satisfying.
Nketiah was handed his debut by Wenger five years ago, an occasion the striker marked with two goals in a Carabao Cup tie against Norwich.
‘It’s good to have him back,’ Nketiah told Amazon Prime after the game when told of Wenger’s presence.
‘Obviously he coached me myself and gave me my debut so hopefully he’s happy and proud of us all.’
The spotlight has been on Nketiah in the build-up to the resumption given the injury to Jesus which is likely to rule the Brazil international out until March.
The Arsenal No.14 gave an indication of his quality against the Hammers but insists he isn’t in the side to act as a direct replacement for the former Manchester City star.
He said: ‘There’s pressure any time you play for Arsenal Football Club. The standards are always high.
‘Gabi’s done a great job but I’m not here to replace him, I’m here to be my own player and hope to be the best version of myself.
‘We wish him a speedy recovery, we need him back as soon as [possible]. It was nice we could get the win.’
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