Eddie Nketiah hasn’t scored since his brace against Man Utd in January (Photo: Getty)
Paul Merson says he’d be ‘shocked’ if Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah doesn’t start against Everton on Wednesday night.
Up until last Saturday’s win at Leicester, Nketiah had played every minute possible for the Gunners since Gabriel Jesus got injured during the World Cup.
The striker filled Jesus’ void perfectly when the season resumed but recently has failed to deliver the goods, having failed to score since his brace against Manchester United in January.
As a result of this and a run of just one win in five games, Mikel Arteta made the somewhat bold decision to drop Nketiah to the bench for the trip to King Power, with Leandro Trossard coming in to start up top alongside Gabriel Martinelli.
That change beared fruit with Arsenal beating Leicester 1-0 thanks to a goal from Martinelli that was set up by Trossard.
But despite that result, Merson believes Nketiah should and will return to the starting XI when the Gunners host the Toffees in their next match.
‘I wasn’t sure about Leandro Trossard playing up front, I didn’t think it worked,’ the Arsenal legend told Sky Sports.
Mikel Arteta has a big call to make when Arsenal host Everton (Photo: Getty)
‘I’d have brought Eddie Nketiah on at half-time because for all the play Arsenal had they didn’t look like scoring in the first half. The VAR decision to disallow Trossard’s goal was a brilliant spot.
‘Trossard playing in that position did mean they could keep possession because he was coming short for the ball. It was like Man City from last season playing a false nine.
‘That said, it was a good decision to give Nketiah a rest and I’d be shocked if he didn’t play against Everton on Wednesday. So it’s a masterstroke really to get him out of the firing line to recharge.’
Arsenal are currently just two points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table, though they still have a game in hand, and Merson believes that the result against Everton could prove pivotal in the title race.
He added: ‘Arsenal have got to win on Wednesday against Everton, which is their game in hand and can move them five points clear.
‘You’ve got to make that game in hand count, that’s the name of the game. They should beat Bournemouth on Saturday and then you’re at least five points clear with 12 games to go – it’s in your hands.’
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‘I’d be shocked if he didn’t play.’
