Eddie Nketiah explains classy reason he let Fabio Vieira take Arsenal penalty

29 October 2023 , 22:30

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Eddie Nketiah explains classy reason he let Fabio Vieira take Arsenal penalty

Eddie Nketiah has insisted he was happy to allow Fabio Vieira to take Arsenal's penalty against Sheffield United despite missing a shot at history.

With the Gunners already leading 3-0 courtesy of the striker's hat-trick, they were awarded a penalty in injury-time after the video assistant referee (VAR) adjudged Oliver Norwood to have fouled Vieira inside the area. And it was Nketiah who immediately grabbed the ball and seemed set to do the honours.

Another goal would have made him just the third Arsenal player to score four times in a Premier League match. Thierry Henry first notched that feat against Leeds in 2004, before Andrey Arshavin had his memorable night at Anfield against Liverpool in 2009.

But after on-field discussions with his Portuguese team-mate, it was Vieira who won the argument. And he dispatched his chance of a first league goal of the campaign, before Takehiro Tomiyasu made it 5-0 at the death.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Nketiah admitted he intended to take responsibility: “I was going to take it - I wanted to take it. I always want to get more goals."

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Vieira's subsequent celebration, placing the ball under his shirt, was perceived as confirmation he's imminently expecting his first child. And Nketiah confirmed as much and also insinuated the team was more important than individual records.

Fabio Vieira celebrates his goal with Arsenal team-mate Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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“Fabio came to me and said he wanted to take it," he added. "He won the penalty as well. He’s expecting a little one and it was a really good moment for him to get on the scoresheet and dedicate it.

“I’m a team player - I’d scored a hat-trick so I could allow other players to get in on the act. He took the penalty and scored, so we’re happy.”

Indeed, the 24-year-old still more than advanced his case to start regularly under Mikel Arteta. And his first top-flight treble followed him making his England debut in the 1-0 friendly win against Australia this month.

Fraser Watson