Mikel Arteta believes Eddie Nketiah is ‘just getting better’ after the Oxford Cup win.

Mikel Arteta believes Eddie Nketiah is “getting better and better” after the striker’s double against Oxford sent Arsenal into the FA Cup fourth round.

But the manager conceded his lack of attacking depth could still cost Arsenal as they try to turn that good campaign into silverware.

Arsenal worked an hour at Oxford on Monday night before three goals in 13 minutes broke the League One side’s resistance and took on Manchester City in the fourth round.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has scored four goals in four games since the World Cup

Fabio Vieira scored two superb assists for Mohamed Elneny and Nketiah before Nketiah sealed the win with another well-delivered finish with 14 minutes left.

The striker, who was promoted after a knee injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus, has scored four goals in four games since the World Cup.

“He showed great composure. He’s a great finisher, the timing of his runs and the decision making…his understanding, his work pace, I think he’s getting better and better,” Arteta said.

Nketiah sealed the 3-0 win with another close finish 14 minutes from time in Oxford

“Obviously he’s been waiting for this moment. He was patient when it was needed, but he also had the right attitude and prepared for this moment. And that’s why I think he looks ready and why he’s playing the way he is.

However, the Premier League leaders are working on a deal to sign winger Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk to add further attacking reinforcements.

And Arteta admitted: “The problem is that we only have one striker and it’s not easy to get through so many months until Gabby is back. But we have to get the best out of the players we have at the moment. If we can have some reinforcements, great.”

Mikel Arteta admits his lack of attacking depth could still cost Arsenal this season

Emile Smith Rowe returned after four months with groin problems from injury and played the final 15 minutes last night.

“It was the perfect game to give him a few minutes to get out of the blocks and now he has to start becoming available and playing at the highest level because we’re going to need him,” Arteta said.

Smith Rowe replaced Bukayo Saka, who appeared to be limping, but Arteta insisted the striker was fine ahead of Sunday’s north London derby.

Striker Emile Smith Rowe made a welcome return from injury after a four-month absence

The manager was also pleased with the contribution of Vieira, who was struggling before the game change.

“I’m really happy with him,” Arteta said. “That’s his quality, scoring goals and deciding games in the last third and he had two really good moments to help us win.”

Oxford boss Karl Robinson said: “My players can be proud of some of their performances but we got a bit dizzy in the second half and that made us very vulnerable to their counter-attacks.

He added: “We will not face another team with this speed and quality. We’ve tried to make our way but the reality is we can’t compete at this level.