Arsene Wenger has ‘no idea’ why Chelsea let youngster Eddie Nketiah leave as forward scored double to save Arsenal in Carabao Cup


EDDIE NKETIAH became the first star born after Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal to score for the Gunners with a heroic double against Norwich.

The former Chelsea youth, 18, came off the bench to send the game into extra-time with his first touch before adding a second in the added period.

Eddie Nketiah is held aloft after rescuing the Gunners against Norwich
Eddie Nketiah is held aloft after rescuing the Gunners against Norwich
Rex Features
Arsenal whizkid Nketiah scores with his first tough after coming off the bench
Arsenal whizkid Nketiah scores with his first tough after coming off the bench
Richard Pelham - The Sun

And prolific academy ace Nketiah – who has been likened to Thierry Henry – will hope to continue his scoring run after taking his chance with both hands.

After seeing the youngster rescue his side following Josh Murphy’s opener, Wenger said: “The fact is we needed to score goals and he can score goals.

“Overall in the end we had something like eight strikers on the pitch and I know he has the qualities but when a team needs you, you don’t know how he will respond. He has shown that.

“I liked the header he scored because he is not tall and you see the way he took the header. He has a determined character and has desire to score.

Incredibly Nketiah cwas born AFTER Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal
Incredibly Nketiah was born AFTER Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal
Richard Pelham - The Sun
Arsenal were lucky to scrape past their Championship opponents
Arsenal were lucky to scrape past their Championship opponents
Richard -Pelham - The Sun

“He has top quality and is one of player who was with me in pre-season and I knew what he could do.
I must say I am impressed think he was not even conceived when I was already here.

“But it is good as well. Life gives a chance to young people and hopefully he will make a long career at Arsenal FC. We are proud to give young players a chance.


NKETIAH OF TIME Arsenal 2 Norwich 1 match report: Super sub Eddie Nketiah fires Gunners into quarter-finals


“I don’t know what happened at Chelsea. He has scored goals at youth level and sometimes I don’t know why they let him go.

“I don’t know why. You see that more and more. Young people travel from one club to another. I don’t know.

Nketiah rose to power in an extra-time winner
Nketiah rose to power in an extra-time winner
Richard Pelham - The Sun
Josh Murphy’s cute finish gave Norwich the lead
Richard Pelham - The Sun

“We lacked ideas against Norwich. I was impressed by their defensive performance.

“I thought what we could do to make a gamble. I know he can score goals. I know his character and he is not afraid.”

Arsenal signed Nketiah from rivals Chelsea in 2015 and he has gone on to fire in the goals at youth level.

The Lewisham finisher netted 24 goals in his debut season with the Under-18s before adding 27  in 42 for the kids and reserves last campaign.

 


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