Arsène Wenger can’t remember the last time an Arsenal player made such a dramatic impact, after Eddie Nketiah’s introduction fired the Gunners into the next round of the League Cup.

Nketiah scored with his very first touch against Norwich, to bring Arsenal level at 1-1, but Arsène Wenger was even more impressed with the second goal. Wenger said: “I can’t remember a player having such a dramatic impact,” reports the Daily Star.

“I especially liked the header he scored because he’s not tall. You see the way he took it, he has not just a fantastic leap but also a determined attitude, character and desire to score.”

When asked why he brought the teenager on, Wenger explained: “Well the fact that we needed to score goals and I know he can score goals. It was big gamble but I know he can score and he’s not afraid. He can smell the combination movements, he can give and go.

“He has top qualities and is one of the players who impressed me most in pre-season and that’s why I trusted him.” Eddie himself seemed delighted with his debut, and sent a message to the fans.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/922956640999170050

In pre-season, Nketiah’s performances perhaps went underrated because he didn’t manage to get a goal. However, the circumstances were difficult for the youngster, as he was a striker playing at wing-back. Nonetheless, a couple of chances did fall his way in Sydney, and he was unfortunate to hit the post on both occasions.

Instead of scoring in those early games, he saved his goals for the matches where they really count, and sent Arsenal into Thursday’s draw. It was a dream home debut for the youngster, with chants of “Eddie, Eddie, Eddie” ringing around the stands, and a genuine feeling of excitement whenever he was on the ball.

He even showed the maturity to head for the corner in injury time, rather than mindlessly charging at goal for a hat-trick. There was a lot there to impress the boss, so well done Eddie.