Ex-Arsenal striker ‘feeling good’ after Crystal Palace debut | OneFootball

Eddie Nketiah says he’s feeling good after his debut for new club Crystal Palace, with the ex-Arsenal striker impressing in his first performance.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Eddie Nketiah of Crystal Palace looks on prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Leicester City FC at Selhurst Park on September 14, 2024. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah joined Crystal Palace this summer, in a deal worth at least £25m and potentially as much as £30m, depending on whether he hits his add-on targets.

The move was generally considered a positive one from all sides. Arsenal got a good chunk of money for a player they weren’t using much, Nketiah got a good transfer that allowed him to remain in London, and Palace got their priority forward target.

With Arsenal still hoping for more money in add-ons, and with Palace having spent a significant amount to bring him in, everyone will be hoping the 25-year-old does well.

So it was encouraging to see the striker making an impressive start with his debut performance on Saturday.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Eddie Nketiah of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Leicester City FC at Selhurst Park on September 14, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Nketiah had a busy debut, taking six shots and creating one chance. He completed 82% of his passes and his only attempted dribble, and he won a couple of free-kicks for his team.

There was no debut goal or assist on this occasion, and Palace only ended up taking a point from their 2-2 draw, but Nketiah’s performance was well received by his new supporters.

“I felt good,” Nketiah said afterwards. “Obviously it’s my first 90 minutes in quite a while, so it was good to get back out there.

“Like I said, I’m nowhere near at my best, I know I’m going to keep getting better, and I’m sure I can help the team as things go on.

“It’s been really enjoyable for myself (at Palace). I’ve been really pushed physically to keep improving, keep getting fitter, and yes, it was really nice to be at Selhurst Park and on the receiving end of the fans’ support this time.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Eddie Nketiah of Crystal Palace is challenged by Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Leicester City FC at Selhurst Park on September 14, 2024. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

It’s true that it’s been a while since Nketiah’s last 90-minute performance, which came on the last day of 2023. There weren’t many minutes on offer at Arsenal in 2024, which is another reason the move made sense for him.

The striker might get another chance for his first official Palace goal on Tuesday, as they travel away to QPR in the League Cup. He’s already netted twice in a friendly match, so it’s just a matter of taking that form into the competitive games now.