Alious
Eddie Nketiah’s Premier League goal drought at Crystal Palace belies his encouraging overall performances since his £30 million summer transfer from Arsenal. The England international has shown versatility under Oliver Glasner’s management, adapting to an unexpected role operating behind the main striker.
The upcoming EFL Cup quarter-final presents an intriguing narrative as Nketiah prepares to face his former club. His history in this competition is particularly noteworthy, featuring a remarkable scoring record that could concern Arsenal supporters.
Nketiah’s relationship with the EFL Cup dates back to his Arsenal debut in 2017, where he announced himself with an immediate impact, scoring twice against Norwich City after coming off the bench. The competition has consistently provided him with a platform to showcase his scoring prowess, especially during periods when Premier League opportunities were limited.
His EFL Cup statistics are impressive: 12 goals in 12 starts across appearances for Arsenal, Leeds United, and Crystal Palace, from a total of 16 matches. His last EFL Cup quarter-final appearance at the Emirates proved particularly memorable, as he secured a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Sunderland in 2021.
The quarter-final tie is scheduled for the week of December 17, though potential scheduling conflicts could necessitate a venue change to Selhurst Park. This fixture represents more than just a cup tie for Nketiah – it’s an opportunity to maintain his exceptional record in the competition while proving his worth against his former team.
For Palace, the match offers a chance to build momentum and potentially progress toward a Wembley appearance, though they face a formidable challenge against a strong Arsenal side. Nketiah’s proven track record in this competition adds an intriguing subplot to what promises to be a compelling cup encounter.
Alious
