‘I Feel a Little Bit Sad for Him’: Glasner Defends Eddie Nketiah After Disappointing First Season

Ex-Arsenal Striker Still Searching for Form at Crystal Palace in a Challenging Debut Campaign

It was supposed to be a fresh start for Eddie Nketiah—a move away from the shadow of the Emirates to the promise of regular football and a starring role at Crystal Palace. But as the 2024-25 Premier League season enters its final stretch, the narrative is unfolding in a very different way.

After a summer move from Arsenal, the ex-Gunners striker has struggled to settle at Selhurst Park, managing just one league goal in 24 appearances. Now, with pressure mounting and minutes dwindling, Palace boss Oliver Glasner has offered a rare show of public sympathy for the 25-year-old, reflecting on the player’s effort, misfortune, and potential path forward.

A Difficult Debut Season for the Ex-Arsenal Man

When Nketiah swapped North London for South at the start of the season, there was cautious optimism from fans and pundits alike. The hope was that, freed from a bit-part role at Arsenal, the England international would thrive with more responsibility.

But the move hasn’t gone to plan. Of his 24 league appearances for Palace, only seven have been starts, and he’s been forced to watch much of the campaign from the bench. His single goal—scored back in the autumn—has done little to quiet critics who question whether he can lead the line at Premier League level.

Palace haven’t exactly been free-scoring themselves, but in a team still finding its rhythm under Glasner’s guidance, Nketiah’s lack of impact has stood out.

Glasner’s Sympathy: “Sometimes I Feel a Little Bit Sad for Him”

In his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Nketiah’s former club Arsenal, Glasner cut a compassionate figure. Rather than chastising the striker for his low output, the Austrian manager focused on the human side of the game—on the grind, the setbacks, and the bad luck that can define a season.

“It’s not time to sum up Eddie’s season now, but he’s so hard-working,” Glasner told reporters. “Sometimes I feel a little bit sad for him, personally, when I see all his effort.”

The Palace boss went on to recall a recent substitute appearance at St James’ Park, where Nketiah was thrown on with his team 5-0 down to Newcastle.

“It’s the worst situation you can have as a player,” Glasner admitted. “I had this once in my career and I didn’t really like it. He had two or three chances. At the end he could score and then he slipped.”

These moments—isolated, frustrating, cruel—sum up Nketiah’s disappointing first season at Selhurst Park better than any statistic could.

Still Backed to Turn Things Around

Glasner Defends Eddie Nketiah After Disappointing

Despite the struggles, Glasner remains convinced there’s a turning point around the corner.

“He works every day. And there will come a day when he gets paid for all his effort,” he said. “For me personally, it feels like they didn’t come now—until now.”

With that in mind, Nketiah may yet have a role to play as Palace close out the season. Glasner hinted the striker could start against Arsenal midweek, perhaps offering him a cathartic opportunity to remind his former club what they let go.

“We still have some great games to play,” Glasner added. “Maybe this day when he gets the payback for all his effort will come soon.”

Why It Hasn’t Worked—Yet

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There’s no question Nketiah is a talented footballer. His movement, energy, and eye for goal saw him rise through Arsenal’s ranks, and he’s represented England at youth and senior level.

But so far at Palace, it just hasn’t clicked. In part, that could be down to tactical fit. Glasner is still stamping his identity on the team after replacing Roy Hodgson, and the attack has often lacked consistency.

There’s also the mental side of things. For a striker, confidence is everything, and without regular goals—or even regular starts—Nketiah has looked like a player caught in limbo: too hesitant to impose himself, too eager to impress.

Looking Ahead: A Big Week for Palace

If there’s a silver lining to the story, it’s that Nketiah still has time. And with Palace facing two crucial matches in the space of four days, the door is open.

After Wednesday’s emotional reunion with Arsenal at the Emirates, the Eagles will turn their attention to the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Glasner has promised to field “the best available team” in both matches, signalling that everyone—Nketiah included—will be judged on what they bring to the table right now.

“We expect they [Arsenal] will play with their strongest team; they have six days [before] their Champions League semi-final,” Glasner said. “We will play with the best available team tomorrow as well.”

What Next for Eddie Nketiah?

It’s hard to say how the rest of this season will play out for Nketiah. A goal against Arsenal would be poetic. A starring role in an FA Cup final would be redemptive. But even if neither of those moments come to pass, Glasner’s words suggest the striker has support where it matters most.

In the cutthroat world of Premier League football, that kind of belief can be rare. And maybe, just maybe, it will be the spark that turns a disappointing first season into a story of late-season revival.

After all, football has a funny way of rewarding those who keep showing up, even when things aren’t going their way.