When the teamsheets were released at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, the interest in Mikel Arteta’s selection stretched far beyond those in north London. Eddie Nketiah had been chosen as Arsenal’s leading front man, included ahead of the experienced Alexandre Lacazette, pricking the attention of Leeds United fans some 200 miles away.

The talented Nketiah had been back at Arsenal for only six weeks after a season-long loan at Elland Road was cut short by four months. A first start in the Premier League, having scored the second goal in a 2-1 win against Bournemouth in the FA Cup last month, vindicated the 20-year-old’s decision to end the period of education under one of world football’s most respected coaches.

Nketiah had made only two league starts