Nketiah’s Late Winner Against Liverpool Earns Arsenal’s Gratitude

Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah has revealed that he received a flurry of thank-you messages from Arsenal staff after his dramatic stoppage-time goal sank Liverpool 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The former Arsenal striker, who left the Emirates for Palace in 2024, became the hero in the 97th minute, just after Federico Chiesa’s late equaliser had threatened to rescue a point for the champions. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring early for Palace, but it was Nketiah’s last-gasp strike that ended Liverpool’s perfect start to the season and blew the Premier League title race wide open.

Speaking after the game, the 25-year-old admitted:

“I had a few thank you messages to be honest. Yeah, a couple of the staff messaged me, but I’m fully focused on life here and want to do well and help the team as much as possible.”

Liverpool’s slip means Arsenal and other rivals have a fresh opportunity to close the gap. Mikel Arteta’s men travel to Newcastle United next Sunday in what is shaping up to be a pivotal clash.

Opinion: Nketiah Still Writing Arsenal’s Story, Even From Afar

Football has a way of circling back with poetic twists. Eddie Nketiah may no longer wear Arsenal’s colors, but in one powerful strike, he may have handed them their biggest boost of the season so far. His winner didn’t just give Palace three points—it gave Arsenal hope.

While Nketiah insists his focus is firmly on Palace, his late heroics underline the hidden bonds between players and their former clubs. Arsenal nurtured him, and though he’s moved on, the ripple effects of his success still shape their journey.

Now, the Gunners have no excuse. With Liverpool finally showing vulnerability, Arteta’s side must seize the moment at St James’ Park. If Arsenal are serious about their title ambitions, they must turn Nketiah’s gift into momentum.

Sometimes, the difference between chasing and catching is a single kick of the ball. And this weekend, Eddie Nketiah reminded Arsenal—and the Premier League—that old connections can still shape new destinies.