Ethan Nwaneri just did something that no other Arsenal player has managed in 16 years

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Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri is in dreamland having secured his first senior goal for the Gunners against Bolton Wanderers.

Mikel Arteta handed Nwaneri his first senior start in the third round of the EFL Cup at the Emirates on Wednesday night. 

The 17-year-old has been in and around the first team all season, featuring on match day four of the Premier League calendar against Spurs.

In the EFL Cup, the teen’s start to the campaign got even better, as he started and scored twice against Bolton in front of a home crowd at the Emirates. 

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Ethan Nwaneri including age, height and Arsenal record

Ethan Nwaneri does something for the first time in 16 years at Arsenal

Fans were aware of Nwaneri’s talent based on Arteta’s trust in the player and his short cameo against Spurs.

The attacking midfielder showed a fearless edge and a sense of composure not regularly seen in a 17-year-old, reinforcing why the manager is such an admirer.

Lining up in the starting XI against Bolton, it took Nwaneri just 37 minutes to net his first senior goal, as the playmaker was set up expertly by Raheem Sterling. 

While it was a moment to remember for Sterling, who made his full debut for Arsenal following his deadline day arrival, it was a career defining moment for young Nwaneri.

By scoring for his boyhood club, Nwaneri became the youngest player to score for Arsenal in 16 years.

Since Jack Wilshere’s goal against Sheffield United in 2008, Nwaneri became the Gunners’ youngest on the scoresheet at just 17 years and 188 days old. 

Wilshere was only 16 years and 266 days old when he opened his account for Arsenal, putting Nwaneri in good company alongside the now-retired Englishman.

The time is now for Nwaneri

Arteta has been an admirer of Nwaneri since his first week at Arsenal, being made aware of the Englishman’s talent by Edu when he became manager. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal scout explains what ‘impresses him the most’ about Ethan Nwaneri, he’s ‘destined’ to succeed

There’s a reason that the teenager is so highly-rated in North London, with the reasons now being made public as he continues to take his chances in Arteta’s first team.

From his impressive audition in a fixture as high fuelled as the North London derby, to scoring on his full senior debut in the EFL Cup, the only way is up for Nwaneri, who is destined for a breakthrough at Arsenal very soon.