The 22-year-old was Arsenal's hero on Wednesday as he scored twice in a 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The win took Arsenal level on points with fourth placed Tottenham Hotspurs, breathing some much needed life in their quest for Champions League football next season.
Nketiah has been on the fringes of the Arsenal set up this season, with the Chelsea game only his second Premier League start.
He has made 21 appearances in all competitions this term, scoring seven times.
After Nketiah's heroics against Chelsea, Arteta admitted he has not been fair to the Englishman with regards to playing time.
“What Eddie has done tonight is because of what he has done for the last 10 months and no-one has noticed," he told the BBC.
"I said to him I haven’t been fair. I should have been playing him more. We have other issues as well and that has not been easy. But he deserved completely what happened to him tonight."
He added to Sky Sports: "When you look at him in training and how humble and hungry he is, good things happen to good people. If I’m happy for anyone it is especially him because I know what he has been through.
"The same with Elneny and Rob Holding. That is why we won the game today. I love the spirit of these players. When you lose matches you get criticised but for these players it is worth it. They are really growing.”
Nketiah's Arsenal contract expires at the end of the season.
