Ethan Nwaneri made his full Premier League debut against Brentford on New Year’s Day.
Although Ethan Nwaneri had featured several times in the Premier League prior to this clash against Brentford, the teenager had never before started a game in the top flight of English football.
Nwaneri became the youngest ever Premier League player back in 2022, when he made his maiden appearance in the competition from the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium. The 17-year-old reached another career milestone against the Bees this evening.
The Arsenal youngster has shown that he can thrive on the biggest stage, and did not disappoint on his first start. The Hale End academy wonderkid played with great energy, was fearless on the ball, and did not appeared overawed with the task of replacing Bukayo Saka.
With Saka set for lengthy spell out with injury, having undergone surgery, Nwaneri may well be in line for more starts in this part of the pitch.
Mikel Arteta hails Ethan Nwaneri after full Premier League debut
Mikel Arteta was certainly impressed by the display that the youngster produced on the right flank.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, the Spanish coach was effusive in his praise of Nwaneri, even suggesting that the player could provide an internal solution to the problem of coping without Saka, without the club having the make use of the January transfer window.
Arteta said of his performance: “Really good, but in training he gives us all the right reasons. We could’ve signed a player from any country, but he would be playing. So it’s an academy player, he needs to play because he deserves it.”
Arsenal transfer plans after Bukayo Saka injury
Whilst Nwaneri was able to step up against Brentford, and Gabriel Martinelli has been deployed on the right wing in recent weeks, there is still an argument that the North London club need reinforcements in this part of the pitch following Saka’s injury.
Arsenal have been linked with Omar Marmoush. The versatile Eintracht Frankfurt star can operate out wide, and is also able to lead the line. This versatility may well make the Egyptian an appealing option to the Gunners with his long-term suitability in mind.
Arsenal fans are also keen for the club to sign Bryan Mbeumo. Like Marmoush, the Brentford forward can slot in up front or on the flank.
Mbeumo will certainly have impressed Arteta with his audition this evening, as he put the Bees ahead with a well-taken goal in the first half.
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