24-year-old has to start for Arsenal on Sunday, he’s on the cusp of huge things

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has to start against Manchester United on Sunday on the back of his first ever England call-up.

If Nketiah being left on the bench against Fulham was a surprise, then his England call up today was a bigger one.

Nketiah has been in good form for Arsenal, but fans will tell you that he’s often reached these levels before.

However, given the timing of Nketiah’s first England call-up, he now has to start against Manchester United.

Mikel Arteta has to give a show of faith in a player that has performed his backup role so admirably this season and last.

Regardless of Gabriel Jesus’ readiness, Nketiah needs to lead the line.

Moreover, Arsenal’s number 14 arguably should have started against Fulham anyway.

Despite Leonardo Trossard deserving a chance it didn’t seem that Nketiah should be the one to miss out.

Yes, he did miss chances against Crystal Palace, but his quick initiative was ultimately a big part of the reason Arsenal managed to win the game.

Arteta has to start Nketiah against Manchester United on Sunday

Gareth Southgate has been very complimentary regarding Nketiah’s skill set on the back of his England call up.

And if the striker is to get a chance for serious minutes in these coming England games then you would expect that he needs to impress on Sunday.

United reportedly will be missing one Raphael Varane through injury on the weekend – something Arsenal’s strikers are probably well briefed on already. 

However, it’s Arsenal’s own defence that requires the most focus for Mikel Arteta right now.

The side are conceding far too many goals at the Emirates, especially early in games.

Arteta’s team simply aren’t showing the discipline and structure that they embody in their away performances.

And whilst it’s crucial Nketiah starts against Manchester United for a lot of reasons, it could be similarly crucial that Gabriel Magalhaes returns for Arsenal. 

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