Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits to treating Eddie Nketiah unfair

Nketiah was the difference maker on Wednesday night as his brace helped propel Arsenal to a 4-2 win over bitter rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old’s goals either side of halftime moved the Gunners back into the race for top four as they pulled level on points with Tottenham.

But the youngster is said to be disappointed with his lack of game time this term, making just 15 Premier League appearances under Arteta.

The Gunners boss confessed that he should have been giving Nketiah more minutes throughout the season as he insisted he was happy for the forward after his impressive performance.

‘What Eddie has done tonight is because of what he has done for the last 10 months and no-one has noticed,’ Arteta told the BBC

‘I said to him I haven’t been fair. I should have been playing him more. We have other issues as well and that has not been easy. But he deserved completely what happened to him tonight.’

He added to Sky Sports: ‘When you look at him in training and how humble and hungry he is, good things happen to good people. If I’m happy for anyone it is especially him because I know what he has been through.

‘The same with Elneny and Rob Holding. That is why we won the game today. I love the spirit of these players. When you lose matches you get criticised but for these players it is worth it. They are really growing.’

Nketiah is currently embroiled in a contract standoff with his deal at the Emirates expiring in June and has yet to agree new terms after making just two league starts this season.

He recently revealed he has received an offer of a new contract but has his heart set on extra minutes. Speaking on The Beautiful Game Podcast, he said: ‘There have been offers of a new contract but at the moment my aim is to play football and play regularly.

‘That’s my ambition and that’s what I hope to do but at the same time I’m at Arsenal, I love Arsenal.’