After scoring each of his last three starts in the Europa League, Eddie Nketiah is hoping to continue that run tonight against Bodo/Glimt.
Our sharp-shooting striker took the all-important winner in our opening game against FC Zurich, and feels he must continue to show his goal-scoring instincts to help us progress to the knockout stages, and help his cause bring more Premier League home.
Leading up to tonight’s meeting with the Norwegian champions, he spoke to the press about his fondness for the Europa League, saying: “It’s good to get some minutes and some starts, and of course it’s always nice to score a goal too. or two to score. It’s good to test yourself against European opponents, so I’m really looking forward to the match.
“I think [tonight’s game] is a good chance for the whole team to build on the good start we had with the three points [against FC Zurich]. It’s a very important game for all of us; we want to win and we want to qualify first because we know how important it is.
“For me, the more games there are, the more opportunities there are to play, so I’m looking forward to games in Europe and also in my own country.
“The coach is faced with a difficult decision and it’s up to me to keep working and if I get the chance on the pitch or in training show why I should play. That’s what I keep trying to do.
“If I don’t play as much as I want, I will still support the team, and whatever role or minutes I get, try to give my best. I am confident that over time and as the season progresses opportunities and it’s up to me to seize them.”
Four weeks ago in Switzerland, we saw the first signs of a potentially fruitful partnership as Eddie and Marquinhos provided each other’s assists to give us the win, and the striker admits he is impressed with the quality the new signing has brought to the game. team.
“We got to know each other,” Eddie said. “Obviously he’s a new player, a really talented player and a good guy off the pitch too. We have a pretty good relationship off the pitch and of course that applies on the pitch too.
“It was nice for him to get a goal and an assist and vice versa for me, so I think we can continue to build that bond and help the team.”
Tonight’s match will be the first time Emirates Stadium can be at full capacity for a European match since February 2020, when matches were played behind closed doors or in front of tiny crowds during the pandemic, taking some of the allure of European matches under the lights.
But now that they’re back in N5, Eddie can’t wait to experience them again, especially after the wonderful sounds and scenes in the stands that set the scene for our derby day win against Tottenham Hotspur as the momentum builds.
“The atmosphere against Spurs on Saturday was great and it’s great to hopefully follow up on that [tonight]’ Eddie added.
“Obviously it’s been a long time since we played in Europe with a full stadium, so I’m really looking forward to playing there.”
Watch Eddie’s entire press conference by clicking play on the video above, and read our match preview to get all the details about Bodo/Glimt as well as all stats, quotes and team news
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