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Eddie ready to shine
Mikel Arteta heaped praise on his stand-in striker Eddie Nketiah after the forward bagged a brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 FA Cup win at Oxford last night.
It took the 23-year-old’s tally to five goals in as many games, having found himself thrust into the Gunners’ central striker berth due to Gabriel Jesus’ World Cup injury woes.
Arteta 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.”
Nketiah will have the chance to extend his hot streak when Arsenal head to bitter rivals Tottenham on Sunday in a tasty North London derby.
Gareth got it right
Wales boss Rob Page believes Gareth Bale has chosen the correct time to bring the curtain down on his playing career.
The legendary winger, 33, made the announcement via his social media channels yesterday after a telephone conversation with his national coach.
Page, 48, explained: “I told him I think it’s the right time to bow out. You’ve just scored in a World Cup and got everything on your CV, what you’ve done for this country is unbelievable.
“There’s a mixture of emotions for me. I’m excited now because it’s an opportunity to get some of the young ones through — players like Brennan Johnson to take the opportunity and step up to the plate — and get the next Gareth Bale.
“But there’s also a hint of sadness because it’s the last time we’ll see Gareth Bale putting a pair of boots on for Wales.”
The Dragons boss also hinted that there could be space for Bale in his backroom setup in the near future.
Page added: “I would love him still to be involved in some capacity, what that role is, [I] don’t know yet.
“It’s a big adjustment for him, going into a normal-ish life, but we’ll have another conversation with him in a few weeks.”
Special anniversary
Wembley Stadium is calling on fans to share their most cherished memories ahead of the arena’s 100th birthday later this year.
April 28 will mark exactly a century since England’s national ground opened its doors and there are plans in the works to celebrate the occasion.
Stadium director Liam Boylan said: “Wembley is an iconic landmark that defines English culture and history.
“It holds a position in the national psyche as much as places like Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge and the Houses of Parliament.
“Over the next 12 months we want to celebrate that fact and look forward to another 100 years of fantastic, history making defining moments.”
Anyone who submits a memorable moment will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three pairs of VIP tickets for any Wembley event between April 1 and December 31.
You can enter here.
