“Let Arteta stop forcing this guy. He’s not just good enough to be playing against top teams and he’s the reason Arsenal will be going trophyless again this season”- Arsenal Legend Ashley Cole says 24-m years old Arsenal star isn’t just good enough to be playing against top teams like Liverpool, Man City and Man U

Ashley Cole says 24-year-old Arsenal player isn’t good enough to play against top sides

Cole has suggested that Eddie Nketiah simply isn’t good enough to play in the big games for Arsenal.

Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup yesterday after a 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool. The Gunners were wasteful in front of goal and were eventually made to rue their missed chances as Jurgen Klopp’s men struck late.

Mikel Arteta opted for a surprise front three of Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, with the latter leading the line.

Havertz enjoyed some bright moments in the game but struggled to finish his opportunities.

Eddie Nketiah only got nine minutes under his belt and Alan Shearer remarked that the Arsenal striker would have been furious as he watched his side squander good opportunities in the final third

But Kevin Campbell believes that Nketiah simply doesn’t offer the same quality Gabriel Jesus does upfront.

Cole says Nketiah isn’t good enough for Arsenal’s big games

Speaking to TalkSPORT (7/1 8:12am), Ashley Cole raised concerns about Arsenal’s lack of depth up front.

“Unfortunately, the way Arsenal play, they don’t play that way,” he said. “It’s kind of tailor-made to Jesus, wherever he goes, that’s where the spark is.

“And if Jesus isn’t playing well, then you tend to find Arsenal don’t play well.

“I know Eddie sometimes gets put up there and does a good job against certain teams.

“But when it comes to the top teams, I don’t think Eddie’s game is geared to do what Gabriel Jesus does and that’s a problem, it really is a problem for Arsenal.”

Jesus missed out on yesterday’s clash against Liverpool due to a knee injury. But it was a surprise to see Havertz lead the line. 

With that being said, the Gunners looked fluid going forward but lacked that clinical edge in front of goal. 

Nketiah has proven himself to be a capable finisher during his time at Arsenal but he’s hardly a top-level goalscorer right now. 

The 24-year-old has shown he can come in and do a job when required. Yet, Arteta will surely be hoping to upgrade his options in the striker department over the coming months.