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Nketiah asks ‘think you’re the only one not f***ing playing’ in jibe to Arsenal team-mate

Eddie Nketiah told an Arsenal team-mate to ‘stop feeling sorry for himself’ having played a reduced role under Mikel Arteta in frustrations at his own lack of playing time.

The 23-year-old striker has been open about his desire to become Arsenal’s main forward following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as he mentions in All or Nothing: Arsenal.

In one memorable part of episode seven, Nketiah responds after Albert Sambi Lokonga tells his colleagues across a dining room table that he isn’t happy sitting on the bench.

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While eating in Arsenal’s London Colney canteen with Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares and Lokonga, Nketiah tucks into his lunch before the chat begins.

Tavares says: “How are you Sambi?” Who refuses to answer with a cheeky look before saying: “Enjoy your food.”

With Nketiah and Smith Rowe agreeing that he his mood had changed quickly since his arrival from Anderlecht, Lokonga laughs before saying: “I was playing!”

Should Eddie Nketiah push for a move away from Arsenal? Tell us in the comments section below.



LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Seville at Emirates Stadium on July 30, 2022 in London, England.
Eddie Nketiah is keen for more responsibility at Arsenal



Arsenal's Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga (R) comes on for Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (L) during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on August 5, 2022.
Albert Sambi Lokonga wasn’t overly happy with his game time at Arsenal last season

To which Nketiah prompts laughter from the table by hitting back: “So what my friend? You think you’re the only man not f***ing playing my friend? Stop feeling sorry for yourself.”

Lokonga, 22, made 19 appearances in the Premier League last season after joining from Anderlecht – but only 12 of those were starts.

Former England youth international Nketiah, on the other hand, made 21 appearances but 13 of those came from the bench – and is now behind Gabriel Jesus in Arteta’s plans despite signing a contract that lasts until 2027.



BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 16: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Eddie Nketiah during a pre season friendly between Arsenal and Everton at M&T Bank Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants Eddie Nketiah to fight for a starting spot

Nketiah said last year: “I have worked hard and stayed dedicated and that has added to the frustration.”

Adding: “I believe in my ability so obviously I think I am capable of playing and helping the team.

“It is frustrating not playing but you have to channel that frustration in a good way, use your time wisely to work hard and prepare for when that opportunity arises.”

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