The Gunners continued their pre-season tour against Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd side at the SoFi Stadium. Arsenal stepped up their preparations ahead of the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over United. The North London Giants were trailing thanks to a 10th-minute goal by Rasmus Hojlund but not for long.
Academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri played his part beautifully by delivering a perfect cross into the path of Gabriel Jesus which resulted in an equalizer. While Gabriel Martinelli secured the win for Arsenal on the night with his exceptional goal, it was Ethan Nwaneri who stole the shows.
Teenage sensation Nwaneri lights up SoFi Stadium
Nwaneri is 17-year old attacking midfielder for Arsenal coming through the academy and widely regarded as one of the best young players in recent times. The 17-year-old did not make any significant first-team appearance last season but continued to make waves at the youth level where he made 15 appearances and managed to score 11 goals and provide three assists for the ARSENAL U-21.
In September 2022, Nwaneri made his Premier League debut against Brentford, becoming the youngest player in Arsenal’s history at just 15 years. Now that he is 17, Arteta has given him a chance to impress him during pre-season and boy, hasn’t he taken his chance with both hands. Here is what Arteta had to say after that incredible display against Man Utd:
“It’s always in the hands of the players, so show what you can do. Show that ambition, that determination, that quality, and things will happen naturally. Tomorrow he’s going to train with us again and if he continues to play like that he’s going to play some minutes on Wednesday for sure.”
Patience is virtue
With this confidence from the coach, Nwaneri is likely to feel like he belongs at this level. Fans always love an academy player breaking through into the first team and the spotlight that falls on him could rather have a harsh impact. Every young player takes their own time to mature and become ready for the highest-level and Arteta is the best judge as to whether Nwaneri is ready.
Arteta has faced criticism for the way he handled Arsenal’s young talents during the initial phases of his Arsenal project. Many Gunners faithful have also blamed the Spaniard as Chido Obi-Martin is set to depart Arsenal and Amario Cozier-Duberry leaving for Brighton earlier this month. In light of these departures, it’s important to be patient with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. The Premier League is the most intense league in the world and physically demanding and it might take some time for the youngster to be integrated into the first-team setup. However, if Arsenal can be patient, they have a gem in their hands with Nwaneri.
