Eddie Nketiah rewards Mikel Arteta faith yet again despite Arsenal doubters

Rice has brought a defensive solidity and intensity to the Arsenal midfield that enables Arteta to play exactly where he wants on the pitch. His interceptions have been an essential component for the Gunners' good play this season. But now there seems to be another level of his game that the England international is developing.

Across his last three games, Rice has two assists and one goal. That's the kind of end product that most centre forwards would be pretty happy with. The 24-year-old though is managing it from defensive midfield.Nketiah is back in the room

When the news emerged that Gabriel Jesus was going to be out for a few weeks you could almost hear the groans from social media at the prospect of Eddie Nketiah coming in to replace him. The 24-year-old undoubtedly has a few shortcomings and despite consistent backing from Mikel Arteta many Arsenal fans remain unconvinced.

After being given the nod for Saturday's clash with Sheffield United, Nketiah did pretty much all he could to keep his doubters at bay. His hattrick demonstrated the qualities he brings to the team. The first two goals were typical poacher's finishes that - despite his all his skill and quality - it's hard to imagine Jesus getting. 

The third then exhibited the kind of ruthlessness that is required to put away stubborn defences like the one Sheffield United brought to the Emirates. Unsurprisingly Mikel Arteta took the opportunity sing his praises again after the game.

"For me, he's top level," the Spaniard said. "I think he has started eight out of the 10 Premier League games. So that tells you how much we trust him, how much I trust him and the importance that he has in the team.

"Really happy for him, an Academy player to experience in the Premier League a hat-trick. He needs to enjoy the moment. He fully deserves it and hopefully there are many more to come."

It's for exactly these games that Arteta values Nketiah so highly. For all his critics, the Hale Ender has a one in two record when starting in the Premier League this season. Arsenal remain firmly in the hunt for the title race despite missing Jesus for much of the season. Nketiah's goals are a huge part of that.

What his naysayers forget is that it is extremely difficult to play the role of a supporting cast member in a football team. Staying sharp and grabbing limited opportunities when they do come is something that few strikers across the league can manage. Arsenal are extremely fortunate to have a back up striker with the professionalism to keep his levels high despite patchy periods of game time. 

Whenever they've needed him, he's invariably stepped up and delivered.Eddie Nketiah rewards Mikel Arteta faith yet again despite Arsenal doubters