A ‘theory’ is emerging about why Ethan Nwaneri isn’t playing at Arsenal

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Ethan Nwaneri’s future at Arsenal lacks certainty, with a loan move in January looking possible.

Arsenal are open to letting Nwaneri leave on loan, and given how the season has progressed for him so far, it would be the right decision.

Though Mikel Arteta has been impressed by Nwaneri, the Arsenal manager now has to do the right thing and let the teenager flourish at a club where his minutes won’t be spared.

Despite a phenomenal breakthrough season, the 18-year-old’s lack of game time was somewhat expected, as Arsenal signed another number 10 in the summer, shoving the Englishman down the pecking order.

You’re Ethan Nwaneri, which league are you choosing to go on loan to in January and why?

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Ethan Nwaneri’s pressing struggles might be why he’s not playing at Arsenal 

Eberechi Eze or Martin Odegaard? That is one of Arteta’s biggest dilemmas right now.

The conversation leaves no room for Nwaneri, and John Cross thinks he knows why.

Speaking on the Seeing Red podcast, the journalist shared his personal ‘theory’ as to why Nwaneri’s game time has so rapidly reduced. 

“I do have a little theory on why he hasn’t played more, and that’s all to do with pressing,” Cross said.

“It’s so obvious to me that Arteta demands from Odegaard to lead the press; he wants his 10s to work exceptionally hard and go and press.

“Now, I just feel that Nwaneri is not quite that player and probably needs to be coached.”

Cross was right to shine a light on the demands Arteta sets his players when pressing, particularly those in the central areas of attack.

Odegaard is a notoriously good presser, as is Eze, making his transfer understandable, but with Nwaneri, there’s work to be done.

While pressing could well be the flaw that is limiting Nwaneri’s minutes, Cross was eager to shower the playmaker with praise.

“I think Nwaneri is so super skilful, you can see his football brain working, and it’s just beautiful to watch, he’s a beautiful, elegant player.”

Arsenal’s attacking midfielders know the importance of pressing

Nwaneri does some things better than Odegaard and vice versa, but pressing can’t be overlooked.

Arsenal are one of the best high-pressure teams in the Premier League, as data from xG Stats reveal, allowing the opposition to make an average of 9.8 passes before intervening. 

It therefore comes as no surprise to learn that some of Arteta’s favourites in the Arsenal squad are supreme pressers of the ball.

Last season, FotMob data revealed that no midfielder in the Premier League won possession in the final terms at a higher per 90 average than Mikel Merino. 

Odegaard closely followed in third, symbolising how integral the duty is to those playing high and central in Arteta’s system.

If there’s one thing Nwaneri has to improve at Arsenal, it’s pressing, which completely validates Cross’s theory as to why the teen can’t get ahead of his competitors in the squad.