As revealed by BBC journalist Mark Chapman, Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri could start against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Sunday.
The Gunners are facing an injury crisis, with new signing Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard ruled out for the weekend clash. Declan Rice is suspended as well, leaving Arteta with limited options in the centre of the field.
Thomas Partey is expected to start in the defensive midfield role, leaving either Kai Havertz or Leandro Trossard to shift to the No. 10 position. But there simply isn’t enough midfield quality, and the Gunners need to make an emergency plan.
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As per recent rumours, 17-year-old starlet Nwaneri is in contention to start against Spurs. Arteta could place his trust in the academy graduate in a match where the stakes are so high.
While talking to BBC Planet Premier League Production, Chapman said:
“As we move onto the North London Derby, there are rumours going around at the moment & these may be quashed by the time the game comes around, but there are these rumours that Arsenal may start 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.”
🚨 @markchapman: “As we move onto the North London Derby, there are rumours going around at the moment & these may be quashed by the time the game comes around, but there are these rumours that Arsenal may start 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.” [BBC] pic.twitter.com/mATShpqisO
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) September 13, 2024
Ethan Nwaneri should step up for Arsenal in absence of key midfielders
The fans were impressed by Nwaneri’s performance in preseason games in the United States, and he was named on the bench in all three PL games this season.
The English star is a calm figure, one who loves to retain possession and has exceptional passing abilities. His composure will be key in a match where the tensions are high and tackles are flying from everywhere.
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Such types of situations can bring out the best in a player. Cesc Fabregas was given a similar role by Arsene Wenger during his teenage days, and he scored a brilliant solo goal against Spurs.
Nwaneri has already proved to others that he is ready to play. He won’t have Rice or Odegaard to give him that security in midfield, but we believe that the talented youngster will give his 100 percent even with limited resources around him.
