Arsenal fans were pleasantly surprised to see Ethan Nwaneri’s name on the teamsheet against Portsmouth, and in the first 45 minutes, they were not disappointed by his display.
It was a hectic first half at Fratton Park as the hosts broke the deadlock after just three minutes before an own goal and a Gabriel Martinelli header turned the game around.
Fill in the blank: In January, Arsenal should _______________ Ethan Nwaneri!
Mikel Arteta fielded a rather attack-minded team, naming a midfield comprised of Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, and Eberechi Eze.
For Nwaneri, it was a big chance to catch the eye of his manager ahead of a potential loan move away from the Emirates Stadium, and the teenager certainly looked lively.
Arsenal fans praise Ethan Nwaneri’s performance vs Portsmouth
Arsenal fans were full of praise for Nwaneri’s display against Portsmouth, as they enjoyed his desire to always play forward.
Nwaneri is keen to remain at Arsenal this month, despite his lack of game time and suggestions that he could be sent on loan.
The teenager’s performance earned mixed reviews from supporters; however, many were encouraged by what he showed against the Championship side.
During the match, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the midfielder and have been speaking very highly of his showing.
One fan said: “Nwaneri gets the ball and is thinking, let’s go forward, everyone else gets the ball, and they go backwards.”
“Every time Nwaneri touches the ball, something happens. Can’t say the same for certain others, though,” claimed another.
Sum up that first half in three words!
A third supporter said: “Absolutely sublime pass from Nwaneri through the lines, and Eze does his casual gimmick and goes backwards.”
Meanwhile, another claimed: “Nwaneri was probably our best player that half. Really good and getting that final decision right more often now.”
There was yet more praise for the teenager: “Nwaneri, because the boy is direct. He’s not here for all the extra touch perfectionist rubbish. He just wants to ball and score.”
Finally, another stated: “He is raw, but the way Nwaneri gets the ball, turns and attacks so much is a breath of fresh air. Really hope we can find a long-term place for him.”
Nwaneri, who is worth £65.6m, will need to maintain his performance into the second half and continue to catch the manager’s eye.
Mikel Arteta will have liked Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal performance
Against Pompey, the midfielder managed 23 touches, completed 11 passes, and won two of his four duels during the match.
Nwaneri also contested two tackles, winning one, which will have pleased his manager, given his demands for defensive coverage from his whole team.
The Hale End star proved he was not afraid to get stuck in during a match where matching Portsmouth’s physicality was going to be key for the Gunners
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