Sol Campbell is often a divisive figure, especially since becoming a manager and pundit.

Whether you agree with his views or not, he had some choice words for a certain Arsenal player during their clash against Southampton on Thursday evening.

The Gunners went 1-0 up courtesy of Eddie Nketiah who has become a central figure under Mikel Arteta.

Since the former Man City coach arrived at the club, he's scored four times and become the first choice striker over Alexandre Lacazette.

And with a display like the one he showed on the South Coast, it's hardly a surprise.

The Gunners have found life difficult since the return of football but for the most part against the Saints, looks more assured.

It always helps when the opposition 'keeper gifts you a goal. Alex McCarthy dwelled too long on the ball before Nketiah charged him down, stole possession and then tapped it home into an empty net.

His work-rate was exemplary throughout and earned quite the praise from Campbell, who went crazy over his first-half display at St Mary's.

Nketiah

Speaking during Sky Sports' coverage of the match he provided some analysis on the youngster, saying: 

"He's sharp. Always lively, always pushing. He comes back and defends too.

"That's exactly what you want from a young player. Fantastic."

Nketiah

GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

Nketiah has been one of the players of Arteta's reign so far.

There aren't too many candidates for that award, but he has been a revelation since returning from a loan spell with Leeds.

In Yorkshire, the forward was undervalued, starting just two Championship matches but scoring four times.

Marcelo Bielsa rarely favoured the 21-year-old but under Arteta, it's been a completely different story.

The young attacker made just seven accurate passes in the entire game against Southampton, but his work-rate was tireless, showing something that Bielsa could do with at Leeds right now.

He was a menace to the Saints defenders, continuously pressing them and he got his rewards with his goal, failing to give up on the attack when a chance didn't look there.

Given the options the Gunners have in attack, it's a surprise to see Nketiah getting such regular opportunities, but he's proving his worth. He more than deserves to start.