Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri enjoyed a dream full debut as he scored twice in the EFL Cup against Bolton Wanderers.
Nwaneri had made three substitute appearances under Mikel Arteta in the first team before finally being handed a start on a night where several Hale End Academy stars were given their debuts.
The midfielder is one of the most exciting talents in the academy, and he proved exactly why in a 5-1 victory over League One side Bolton.
The 17-year-old ended the game with two goals after a superb performance in which his first touch and sublime dribbling technique were on full display, and Nwaneri certainly made an impression on the Arsenal fans in the Emirates Stadium, who were vocal in their support for the teenager.
Arsenal fans chant in support of Ethan Nwaneri after goals vs Bolton
After Nwaneri’s first goal against Bolton, which saw him finish into the bottom corner after a cross from Raheem Sterling, the Emirates crowd erupted into joy.
They began singing “Ethan Nwaneri, he’s one of our own,” in reference to Nwaneri coming through the academy as a boyhood Arsenal fan.
It is a chant often used for homegrown players in the first-team, and it rang around the stadium again after Nwaneri powered in a second goal in the second half.
Ethan Nwaneri’s significance to Arsenal fans
Arsenal fans are desperate for Nwaneri to succeed as a homegrown player and a huge talent in the academy, and he got off to the perfect start against Bolton.
However, Arsenal will be aware that hype and a strong start do not guarantee success for the best young talents.
Charlie Patino scored on his debut three years ago, also in a 5-1 win in the Carabao Cup with the crowd chanting his name, but he failed to make the grade and is now in the Spanish Second Division.
Arsenal fans will hope that Nwaneri can forge out a strong path to first-team success, and the opportunity is now there for him to earn a first-team spot.
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