Inconsistent Performances from Nketiah, Balogun, and Pepe Provide Arteta with Selection Dilemmas

Mikel Arteta is facing significant decisions regarding his attacking options, as Arsenal’s frontline continues to display both exciting potential and frustrating inconsistency.

Eddie Nketiah, who is due to become a free agent in the summer, once again showcased his poacher’s instincts with a clinical hat-trick in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Sunderland. The 22-year-old took his tally in the competition to 10 goals in nine games, proving his value to the team as Arsenal cruised to a 5-1 victory. However, with just weeks left before he can start negotiating with foreign clubs, the future of Nketiah remains uncertain. His contract situation could prompt Arsenal to make a renewed effort to secure his services beyond this season.

Nketiah’s goals were typical of his style: three well-taken finishes from inside the box, including a neat flick for his third. It was a reminder of the qualities he brings as a “fox in the box” striker—something many clubs, including Arsenal, could find useful in the second half of the season. Despite his promising performance, Nketiah’s situation will need careful management as the club weighs whether to offer him a new contract or risk losing him to another Premier League side, with Crystal Palace having been close to signing him in the summer.

Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun, who also had an opportunity to shine against Sunderland, endured a far less successful night. The 20-year-old, primarily playing for the under-23s this season, struggled with his chances in the first team, squandering two decent opportunities. He was substituted before the 60-minute mark, and his performance highlighted the need for a loan move to gain more senior experience. A spell in the Championship could provide valuable playing time and development for the young forward.

Nicolas Pepe’s performances, too, remain a source of frustration for Arteta. The Ivorian winger displayed his characteristic inconsistency in the match, offering moments of brilliance, such as his well-taken goal and assist for Nketiah’s third, but also lapsing into poor decision-making, as evidenced by his giveaway prior to Arsenal’s third goal. While Pepe has flashes of quality, his inability to sustain a high level of performance makes him a difficult player for Arteta to rely on regularly.

As the season progresses, Arteta will have to balance these competing factors—Nketiah’s potential value, Balogun’s need for development, and Pepe’s inconsistent form—when making key decisions about his frontline. With the January transfer window approaching, the manager’s choices will be critical to Arsenal’s ambitions for the rest of the season.