Following Eddie Nketiah’s contract extension with Arsenal, many Gunners were quick to question the decision. This was aggravated by the management’s decision to hand the 23-year-old academy graduate with the number 14 shirt that was once worn by club legend, Thierry Henry.
The toxicity online got to such heights that Nketiah’s Brazilian teammate, Gabriel Magalhaes responded with this tweet:
“how can you be so ungrateful! OMG”
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The discussion didn’t stop there with former Spurs player, Jamie O’Hara mocking Arsenal while on the TalkSport.
āI canāt believe Nketiah is getting the number 14. It sums up where Arsenal are right now. Theyāve given him Theirry Henryās shirt. This is just magic for Spurs fans,ā he remarked.Ā
This did not go down well with Arsenal fans but the discourse didn’t stop with Jamie O’Hara after former Everton and Crystal Palace player, Yannick Bolasie, intervening.
“Nah canāt respect that broā¦.mocking and laughing about a young player, when heās been given the chance he didnāt let the team down, whatās a bloody numberā¦.the man makes the suit the suit donāt make the man donāt forget that,” Bolasie responded.
It looks like young Nketiah will be feeling the pressure next season. With Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang no longer at the club, it’ll be up to the likes of Nketiah to take up the goal scoring burden for the side. He won’t be the only one feeling the pressure. Mikel Arteta’s project could come to end if there isn’t any significant progress next year.
Arteta seems to clearly be focusing on youth and was very nearly rewarded for it with a Champions League spot but the North London side fumbled during the most vital moments in the season and will have to do it all over again. Arsenal did not have European football to worry about but by being back in Europe, they’re likely going to suffer from more fatigue.
One thing’s for certain, the Arsenal side seem United. Gabrield’s response suggests that this is a team with a strong bond and that can go a long way in any team sport. Arsenal will hope that this moment can power the side forward along with young Nketiah.
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