Arsenal ‘nice guy’ Eddie Nketiah now told what he must do to get ‘to the top’

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Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been raking in the plaudits following his hattrick against Sheffield United, although he still has some critics.

The 24-year-old is one of the most criticised players in the squad, despite scoring five Premier League goals so far this season, and there has been talk of a January move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

Nketiah scored three at the weekend, but surprised many when he handed Fabio Vieira a penalty in the second half, denying himself the chance to score four and write himself into the history books.

Whilst this was a generous gesture to a teammate, Nketiah has now been told that he needs to develop a more ruthless attitude to reach the top level.

Chris Sutton calls for Nketiah to be ruthless

Speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off Podcast, former Premier League Golden Boot winner Chris Sutton explained why Nketiah needs to change his attitude to reach the very top level, and criticised him for giving away the penalty against Sheffield United.

“That’s where Nketiah can improve. If he wants to be a top player, if he wants to lead the line, be the No 9 at Arsenal,” Sutton stated of the England forward.

“Talent-wise I think he’s got it and he’s a brilliant finisher but he’s got to be nasty, he’s got to be ruthless.

“It shows he’s a nice guy, but nice doesn’t get you to the top.”

Does Nketiah need to change?

One of the criticisms often launched at Nketiah is that he is sometimes too selfish compared to Gabriel Jesus, with the striker causing particular frustration in the recent draw to Chelsea, where he shot from distance instead of passing.

This shows that Nketiah’s performances reflect the attitude of a hungry striker, but his role in the squad, which saw him wear the captain’s armband for the final part of the victory over Sheffield United, meant he put side before self and handed Vieira a penalty for his own confidence.

Nketiah is flying high with confidence now, and with Jesus set to miss the next few weeks, he will again be tasked with leading the line in his absence. If he can perform to the level he did on Saturday, his critics will continue to disappear.