Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah was bowled over by the home fans after Saturday’s win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
The 24-year-old opened the scoring to help the Gunners on their way to a 2-1 win and their first three points of the Premier League season.
Nketiah’s place in the starting lineup was not guaranteed after Mikel Arteta gave Kai Havertz the nod up front in the Community Shield win over Manchester City last Sunday. But he made the most of the opportunity, leading supporters to chant his name by the end of the contest.
“We had a really good start but they crept back in it – they made some changes which helped. It was a nervy finish but we deserved the three points,” Nketiah told TNT Sports.
“It was a great bit of skill by (Gabriel) Martinelli to set me up and I was happy with the strike and we know (Bukayo) Saka has that kind of quality – we are really happy to have him in our team.
“Everyone wants to play and everyone needs to be ready to play – so it’s a good start for me and the team. You never know when you will get an opportunity but I’m pleased with my contribution.
“I grew up a supporter of the club – this is my home – so it’s amazing to hear the fans singing my name at the end.”
Arsenal took the lead through Nketiah, who was standing in for the injured Gabriel Jesus, following a brilliant backheel assist from Martinelli. Minutes later Saka doubled the host’s lead with a terrific strike from outside the area.
The north London outfit were cruising to victory over Steve Cooper’s side until Taiwo Awoniyi bagged a goal with eight minutes remaining on the clock. It made for a very nervy end to the game as Forest pushed for an equaliser, but Arsenal managed to hold on until the final whistle.
