Boxing Day’s 3-1 win for Arsenal over West Ham marked a massive day for the Gunners as they extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points.
However, it wasn’t just a massive day for the North London side, as JusBall saw two of their finest athletes make headlines on either side of the pitch.
Following Eddie Nketiah’s stellar end to the 2021/22 season, resulting in a new contract and the legendary number 14 shirt worn by the great Thierry Henry, the striker has had to be patient for opportunities in the league following the summer signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
With Jesus ruled out until early March at best after his knee injury at the World Cup, there is a huge gap to fill at the top of the Arsenal XI, one that Nketiah certainly seized on Monday night.
In what was Nketiah’s first Premier League start of the season, the 23-year-old produced an expert display playing the full 90 minutes, helping Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli flip the score line around, before ending the night off with a goal himself.
Backing into Thilo Kehrer on the 69th minute, Nketiah span beautifully and fired a powerfully hit drive into the bottom left-hand corner, sealing off a splendid night for the league leaders.
Speaking on his goal, Nketiah exclusively told JusBall, “It was something we have worked on behind the scenes and then it’s one of those things that when it happened instinctively it clicked.”
Elsewhere for JusBall, West Ham striker Divin Mubama came on for his Premier League debut, replacing Michail Antonio on the 87th minute.
The 18-year-old striker made his debut for the Hammers in last months 3-0 win over FC FCSB in the Europa Conference League and has been performing brilliantly for the West Ham U18 and Academy teams since.
Speaking directly to JusBall, Mubama said, “making my debut in the Premier League is something I’ve always dreamt of as a kid and it’s something no one can now take away from me.”
“Being mentioned in the squad was something that’s been regularly thrown at me during the last couple months and weeks,” said Mubama on his inclusion in the first team.
“I just tuned myself in and made sure I’m focused and switched on for whatever happens.”
Thoughts from the JusBall Team
JusBall scout and personal friend to Nketiah, Josh Fatukasi, had nothing but praise for the Arsenal striker following the game.
“Eddie is one of the most driven people I know, he has so much confidence and self belief,” said Josh. “He has always been like that from when we were young.”
“I have no doubts he will step up now Jesus is out because he believes he’s good enough to be playing,” continued Josh. “He’s just had to wait patiently.”
Lead Athlete Mentor Kwesi Casely-Hayford spoke about Mubama’s high qualities at such a young age.
“Everyone knows Divin has so many qualities with and without the ball,” said Kwesi. “As a person he has an elite mindset way advanced of his age.”
Going into the hectic winter period, both Nketiah and Mubama will be looking to solidify positions in the first teams and starting elevens for both their clubs and continue to show their fine form.
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