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A COOL ED

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s tiny teen terror Eddie Nketiah measuring up nicely after starring against Norwich City

THE family call their football sensation Little Eddie.

Yet Eddie Nketiah, all 5ft 8in of him, had no problems in leaping above 6ft 4in Timm Klose to head Arsenal’s winner against Norwich.

 Eddie Nketiah announced himself to the Arsenal fans after netting a brace against Norwich City
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Eddie Nketiah announced himself to the Arsenal fans after netting a brace against Norwich CityCredit: PA:Press Association
 The Gunners look to have unearthed a real star in the 18-year-old after dazzling at the Emirates
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The Gunners look to have unearthed a real star in the 18-year-old after dazzling at the EmiratesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

As the Emirates crowd chanted his name, there was one player walking tall in North London on Tuesday.

Lewisham-born Nketiah, 18, who scored both goals in the dramatic 2-1 Carabao Cup win, was making only his second Gunners appearance having arrived as an 89th-minute sub in the Europa League trip to BATE Borisov.

He started with London rivals Chelsea, progressing through the ranks as a scholar, but was released in 2015 because of his size.

Arsenal invited him for a trial and within a week he had signed scholarship forms.

 Arsene Wenger reacts after the former Chelsea youth star put Arsenal 2-1 up in North London
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Arsene Wenger reacts after the former Chelsea youth star put Arsenal 2-1 up in North LondonCredit: Reuters
 Eddie Nketiah equalised in the 85th minute just 15 seconds after coming on as a second half substitute
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Eddie Nketiah equalised in the 85th minute just 15 seconds after coming on as a second half substituteCredit: Getty - Contributor

In 2015-16 he hit 24 goals across the various youth levels.

Last season he bagged 24 goals in 35 appearances.

According to club legend Thierry Henry, who helped coach at youth level, Nketiah has a terrific attitude and is never late for training, unlike some youngsters.

He was rewarded with a professional contract in September 2016 and joined the first team’s pre-season tour of Australia and China where he impressed Arsene Wenger.

Nketiah, who pretended to be Ronaldinho in the school playground, was handed his big chance in the 85th minute on Tuesday with Norwich 1-0 up.

Wenger could not have expected him to equalise 15 seconds later with his first touch and then head into the top corner in extra-time.

Arsenal’s French boss said: “We needed to score goals and he can score goals.

“I liked the header because he is not tall. He has top quality and is a player who was with me in pre-season - I knew what he could do.”

 The 18-year-old has been a proven goalscorer in the Arsenal youth sides in recent seasons
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The 18-year-old has been a proven goalscorer in the Arsenal youth sides in recent seasonsCredit: AFP or licensors
 The England youth international scored twice on his home debut as he sent the Arsenal fans into jubilation
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The England youth international scored twice on his home debut as he sent the Arsenal fans into jubilationCredit: AFP or licensors

Incredibly, Nketiah - who was close to joining League Two Stevenage on loan in the summer - was the first player born after Wenger took charge in 1996 to score a competitive goal for the Gunners.

Grinning, Wenger added: “I am impressed to think he was not even conceived when I was already here.

“But it is good as well. Life gives a chance to young people and hopefully he will make a long career at Arsenal FC. We are proud to give young players a chance.

“I don’t know what happened at Chelsea. They let him go, I don’t know why.

Who is Eddie Nketiah?

  • Born May 20, 1999 — Nketiah is the first player to score for Arsenal born after Arsene Wenger was appointed (1996).
  • Started with London rivals Chelsea, progressing through the youth ranks as a scholar.Released by Blues in 2015 due to his lack of physical attributes.
  • Called “Little Eddie” by his family and friends.Trial for Arsenal — club he supported as a boy — in 2015 and signed as scholar within a week.
  • Scored more than 20 goals at youth level for club last season.
  • Rewarded with a professional contract in September 2016.
  • Made his first-team debut against BATE Borisov in the Europa League in September.

“You see that more and more. Young people travel from one club to another.”

Nketiah is unlikely to play as Swansea visit on Saturday.

But he could get another run-out - maybe even a start - when Arsenal face Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League next Thursday.

With maximum points, Arsenal are sure to reach the next round and Wenger can mix it up.

But as the Arsenal boss has already discovered - unleashing Little Eddie is anything but a gamble.

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