One of Arsenal’s brightest young talents, Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly, can be involved in the Gunner’s 2024/25 Premier League season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
While Skelly started for Arsenal’s Under-21 team to face Manchester United in Premier League 2, Ethan Nwaneri was omitted from the game altogether.
🚨Official- Lewis Skelly starts for u21s. Nwaneri not called up pic.twitter.com/teElAFguLL
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) August 16, 2024
“They are ready” – Arteta on Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly
Mikel Arteta used Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly frequently in their pre-season preparations this summer and was impressed with their performances. The manager stated that they were “ready” for the upcoming Premier League season and have “earned the right” to be involved with the first team.
Arteta spoke to the media ahead of their opening day clash against Wolves and was asked a few questions regarding the youngsters. Upon being asked whether Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly were ready to step up, Arteta stated:
“Yes, for sure and as well we have Jurrien who we didn’t have last year for 10 months so that’s another one. Myles has played a lot of minutes, Ethan as well, Aiden [Heaven] as well in pre-season. It’s given us a big platform for them to understand how good they are and the options that we have in the squad right now and they’ll certainly be training with us.”
Arteta pleased with their attitude
The manager was particularly pleased with their attitude and how they were working hard to be a part of the first team.
“What I love the most is their attitude, their personality, how much they want it, the way they were competing in training. We throw them in very difficult circumstances and it was a great test to see where they are and they are going to be in a good place.”
Arteta was then asked whether he considered both Nwaneri and Miles-Skelly players ready to be utilised in Premier League matches. The Spaniard confidently replied that he does and additionally brought up Jurrien Timber and another impressive youngster in Aiden Heaven.
“Yes, for sure. Jurrien as well. We lost him for eleven months so that is another one. Miles has played a lot of minutes, Ethan as well, Aiden as well. It has given us a big platform for them to understand how good they are and the options that we have in the squad right now. They are certainly going to be training with us.”
The Gunners will face Wolves at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow at 15:00 BST and will be aiming for a strong start to their campaign.
