Tim Sherwood has expressed high praise for Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah after his remarkable hat-trick performance. Sherwood believes that Nketiah possesses the quality to play for top clubs, including Manchester United, where he could be viewed as an upgrade over Rasmus Hojlund. Nketiah’s outstanding performance included his first-ever Premier League hat-trick as Arsenal defeated Sheffield United 5-0, with manager Mikel Arteta even granting him the captain’s armband in the second half.
In Sherwood’s perspective, Nketiah is often overshadowed by questions and doubts from both the general public and Arsenal fans. Instead, he urges people to focus on Nketiah’s abilities, emphasizing that he is a player who could fit into many top-tier teams. In particular, Sherwood questions whether Nketiah could easily replace Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United, given his impressive skills. Hojlund had been signed by United for a substantial £72 million in the summer transfer window, making the comparison all the more intriguing.
Sherwood goes on to commend Nketiah as a top-notch player, believing that he deserves a place at the pinnacle of the Premier League with Arsenal. He notes that Nketiah’s journey through the club’s academy and his commitment to staying with the team are qualities that should be appreciated. Sherwood highlights the significance of Mikel Arteta recognizing Nketiah’s dedication to the club and rewarding him with the captain’s armband, a gesture that holds great sentimental value for the player and his family.
Eddie Nketiah, in the wake of his exceptional hat-trick, dedicated his performance to his late aunt and expressed his gratitude to teammate Declan Rice for an assist. He recognized the emotional difficulty he had faced, having lost his aunt recently, and found solace in dedicating his goals to her. Nketiah stressed the importance of patience and discipline in such games and described the moments leading to his goals, including a special mention of the assistance provided by Declan Rice.