Eddie Nketiah shares classy reason why he let Fabio Vieira take Arsenal penalty
Eddie Nketiah expressed contentment in letting Fabio Vieira take Arsenal’s penalty against Sheffield United, despite missing an opportunity for a personal milestone.
With Arsenal comfortably ahead at 3-0 due to Nketiah’s three goals, they earned a penalty in injury time following a VAR decision that deemed Oliver Norwood’s challenge on Vieira a foul inside the box.
Initially poised to take the penalty himself, Nketiah eventually allowed Vieira to step up for the spot-kick.
Scoring an additional goal would have elevated Eddie Nketiah to the elite group of Arsenal players who have scored four times in a single Premier League match.
The exclusive club currently includes Thierry Henry, who achieved this against Leeds in 2004, and Andrey Arshavin, known for his unforgettable performance at Anfield against Liverpool in 2009.
However, following discussions on the field with his Portuguese teammate, it was Vieira who emerged victorious in the debate.
Consequently, he took the opportunity to secure his first league goal of the season, converting the penalty, before Takehiro Tomiyasu sealed the match at 5-0 in the final moments.
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.”
Vieira’s celebratory gesture after scoring, in which he placed the ball under his shirt, was interpreted as a sign that he is soon to become a father for the first time. Nketiah confirmed this assumption and hinted that the team’s collective success was more significant than individual records or milestones.
“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.”
Undoubtedly, at 24 years old, he significantly strengthened his position to earn a regular starting spot under Mikel Arteta. His first hat-trick in the top-flight came after he recently made his debut for the England national team in a 1-0 friendly victory against Australia earlier this month.
Eddie Nketiah shares classy reason why he let Fabio Vieira take Arsenal penalty