Eddie Nketiah has once again found himself at the center of Premier League headlines — this time for a match-winning performance that had ripple effects far beyond Selhurst Park. The Crystal Palace striker, on loan from Arsenal, scored a brilliant brace to sink Liverpool in a pulsating 3-2 victory, a result that could have major implications on the title race. After the match, Nketiah revealed that he received a flurry of messages from his parent club Arsenal, who were thrilled by his contribution to Liverpool’s setback.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Nketiah shared just how special the moment felt. “It’s always nice to score goals, but today felt different,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of messages from the Arsenal boys and staff congratulating me. They were watching, of course. It’s nice to know that I could help them out a little bit in their own fight for the title.”
The 25-year-old striker was a constant menace throughout the contest, showing off the poacher’s instinct that made Arsenal reluctant to let him go permanently last summer. His first goal came in the 28th minute when he pounced on a defensive error, while his second — a cool, composed finish early in the second half — ultimately proved decisive.
Liverpool pushed hard for an equalizer, with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez both going close in the closing stages, but Palace held firm. Nketiah’s heroics meant that Arsenal, who had earlier secured three points of their own, now sit top of the Premier League table by two points.
The messages from Arsenal players and staff were not just congratulatory but also motivational. Nketiah hinted that Mikel Arteta himself had sent a note of appreciation. “The gaffer texted me straight after,” Nketiah said. “He just said, ‘Brilliant performance, we’re proud of you.’ That means a lot. I’m still very connected to the club, and moments like this remind you why you keep working hard, even when you’re away on loan.”
For Arsenal fans, Nketiah’s display was particularly satisfying. The Gunners have endured a tense battle with Liverpool at the top of the table all season, and any slip-up from Jürgen Klopp’s side could prove decisive. Social media was flooded with praise for the striker, with some supporters calling him “an unsung hero of the title race.”
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner also lauded Nketiah’s impact, describing him as “clinical and composed” in front of goal. “He’s been a great professional since arriving here,” Glasner said. “He works hard for the team, and today he showed his quality at the highest level.”
Nketiah, however, was keen to keep the focus on Palace’s campaign rather than Arsenal’s title bid. “I’m here to give my all for Palace until the end of the season,” he insisted. “If my goals help Arsenal, that’s great, but my main focus is to keep helping this team climb the table.”
Still, there is no denying that his brace has added an intriguing twist to the title race. Arsenal fans will be hoping that their academy graduate continues to play a decisive role — both in Palace’s fortunes and in their own chase for Premier League glory.
Be the first to comment