Unfortunately, Ethan Nwaneri did not start against Tottenham Hotspurs as many expected him to. Going to the North London derby without Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice left two open slots in Arteta’s engine room.
Some Gunners believed Nwaneri, who had a strong pre-season, performing against Bournemouth and Manchester United with the Arsenal senior team, would finally get his chance in the Premier League.
Not wanting to throw the teen prodigy to the Lions, Arteta went with experience in his midfield, starting Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Leandro Trossard, with the Hale End star just making the substitutes’ bench.
Arsenal clearly had a game plan going into the NLD, and it worked. Nwaneri almost didn’t get a chance to play, but when Bukayo Saka couldn’t finish the game due to discomfort, Nwaneri came on for him in the 86th minute.
The Hale End star made a brief debut but showed his exceptional talent and readiness to play. Watching him calmly receive the ball and attempt to create something had me thinking that this kid is hungry, gutsy, and tactically adept for a 17-year-old.
After his appearance in the NLD, we hope to see him in the Atalanta and Manchester City games, as we eagerly await his first Arsenal start. Those unfamiliar with Nwaneri can rest assured that he will play a major role this season as he takes his chances and capitalises.
Arteta did not allow Emile Smith Rowe or Fabio Vieira to leave without signing their replacement for nothing; he did so because of the faith he has in Nwaneri.
Daniel O
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He certainly did OK in the time he had against Sp*rs, and shows great promise. However, please can we not have daft comparisons (of the type that appear in posts on JA whenever he’s mentioned) between him and Yamal at Barcelona.
Nwaneri is only four months or so younger than Yamal but the nearness in age is about it, really. Apparently, Barcelona turned down £210m from PSG for their 17-year-old in the last window and are moving to get him signed to a new, long-term, mega-contract asap. Our youngster has a long, long way to go before getting anywhere near to that.
The Yamal comment sums up a flaw in our fanbase and explains any we haven’t won a title in two decades
He came on in the 86th min
Lets Just take little steps
He had a positive showing, but he was never going to start in this derby, let’s stay realistic. Jorghino is more experienced, can manage a game, and provide leadership as we saw with the armband.
The kid has a bright future, but let’s hold off on appearing in our 1st CL matchup, or the ridiculous notion of throwing him out on the pitch against City at their home.
I’m amazed sometimes at the ludicrous suggestions, especially when they involve a young academy player with 30 minutes of PL experience. One would think he is at the level of Fabragas by the overhyping he receives from some in our fanbase.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This is real football not fantasy football. Some people on this site would have signed over 50 players! Let the kid grow.
Great result on Sunday. If we play the same team, play the same way and get the same result against 115 I’ll be a happy Gooner.