Eddie Nketiah sent Arsenal message as Bukayo Saka injury update emerges

Despite a poor performance in the first half, Arsenal enjoyed a 3-0 thrashing of Oxford United in yesterday’s FA Cup third round. The League One outfit will have been hopeful of causing an upset as it remained goalless on the hour-mark.

However, a quick succession of goals from Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah (x2) catapulted the Gunners straight through to the fourth round. With the cup draw having already taken place following Man City’s win over Chelsea on Sunday, Arsenal’s next opposition have been confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s side.

With the fourth round ties set to take place at the end of the month, the two teams will meet twice in a matter of weeks. Following their trip to Manchester, Arsenal will then host the defending champions in the Premier League in February where they will look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Following the Gunners’ win over Oxford United, we take a look at today’s key headlines from the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta praises Eddie

Mikel Arteta claimed Eddie Nketiah is ‘seizing his moment’ following Arsenal’s win over Oxford. The striker’s brace in the FA Cup takes his tally for the season to seven goals in all competitions.

Arsenal fans were devestated when it was confirmed that Gabriel Jesus would be out for a number of months after he suffered an injury whilst at the World Cup with Brazil, while it gave Nketiah an opportunity to impress as the main man at the Emirates Stadium. The 23-year-old has since netted five goals in as many appearances for Arteta’s side.

After the cup match, the Spaniard said: “Obviously he’s been waiting for this moment. He’s been patient when he needed to be but as well he’s been with the right mindset and preparing himself for this moment.

“That’s why I think he looks ready and why he’s performing the way he is. He showed great composure. He’s a great finisher, the timing of his runs and the decision-making in waiting until the last moment when the keeper was committed shows his quality. His understanding, his work-rate, I think he’s getting better and better.”

Bukayo Saka injury update

Mikel Arteta has calmed fears of Bukayo Saka’s fitness after he was withdrawn from Arsenal’s win over Oxford United. The 21-year-old was treated for discomfort in his right knee and was replaced by Emile Smith Rowe shortly before Eddie Nketiah bagged the third goal.

Saka’s substitution caused concerns among the fans with only days to go before Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby. The England international has been vital to the Gunners’ success this season, providing 12 goal contributions in 17 matches in the Premier League. However, Arteta has reassured fans, telling ITV: “He is fine, he was fine.”

With Arsenal set to take the short trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Saka will be fit to start as they look to do the double over their fierce rivals after beating them 3-1 back in October. The Premier League leaders have won three of their last four meetings with Spurs.