30 October 2023 , 17:21
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Arsenal academy graduate Eddie Nketiah has been likened to Gunners great Thierry Henry after netting his first Premier League hat-trick for the club.
Nketiah netted three of Arsenal's five goals against Sheffield United during Saturday's 5-0 home win against the hapless Blades. All three showcased the different traits the young striker now has in his armoury as he aims to dislodge Gabriel Jesus as the Gunners' main man up front.
The 23-year-old has often come in for criticism from his own fans due to his limitations, with Nketiah a drastically different type of forward to Jesus. However, with the former Manchester City man out injured, Saturday was all about Nketiah as he took home the match ball in impressive fashion.
He clearly made an impression on Harry Redknapp, who heaped some stunning praise on the England international. Speaking to BetVictor, the former Tottenham boss claimed: "My star man this week is Eddie Nketiah. There’s been a lot of pressure on him this season, but he was superb at the weekend.
"I know people will say it was Sheffield United at home, but he took his goals like a natural striker. The third one in particular, wow what a goal. With that number 14 on his back, it was like watching Thierry Henry. Well, almost!"
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Redknapp wasn't the only one left waxing lyrical about Nketiah. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also delighted with the display and spoke glowingly about the forward come full-time.
“I’m really happy for him, an academy player, to experience in the Premier League a hat-trick," the Spaniard claimed. "He needs to enjoy the moment. He fully deserves it and hopefully there are many more to come.
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Eddie Nketiah has been compared to Thierry Henry after his hat-trick (Getty Images)"He’s got an eye for goal. You look at his stats from the last 10 years. What he’s done is remarkable. He needs minutes, opportunities and service. If he gets that, Eddie is going to score goals, that’s for sure. He’s a great player for Arsenal.
"He can be better, yes. And the best thing is the talent that he’s got, but especially his mentality is incredible. When he has that mentality with that talent, he’s going to get much better."
Remarkably, Nketiah could have even netted another had he not been so selfless. The Gunners striker was due to step up to take a second-half penalty, but opted to let team-mate Fabio Vieira guide it home instead as it was the midfielder who won it.