Arsenal fans are all begging Mikel Arteta to now start one Hale End gem v PSV

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal fans are desperate to see Ethan Nwaneri feature against PSV Eindhoven.

Arsenal are set to take on PSV Eindhoven in their final Champions League group stage fixture on Tuesday.

As the Gunners are already qualified for the knockout rounds of the competition as group winners, there is nothing tangible riding on this match. As such, Mikel Arteta is likely to name a heavily rotated starting XI for this game.

One positive of doing this would be that he could afford some of his key senior players a much-needed rest. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and William Saliba, amongst plenty of others, have played a lot of football already this season and it is vital that they are kept as fit and fresh as possible.

Another bonus of shaking up the teamsheet is that certain fringe players can get some valuable minutes into their legs. The likes of Mohamed Elneny or Reiss Nelson could be required to step into the regular starting line up at any moment, as a consequence of injury or suspension. As such, it is important to give them game time when possible to keep them sharp.

Finally, this match is an opportunity for Arteta to blood some of the club’s talented youngsters. With the Gunners’ current injury issues at the back, Reuell Walters may be handed his senior debut as part of the rearguard. 

Equally, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are two other Hale End academy aces who will be keen to strut their stuff. Both were on the bench for the north London club’s last game in the Champions League. Plenty of fans were frustrated that neither starlet was given a runout as the Gunners cruised to a 6-0 win on that occasion. 

Arsenal fans call on Mikel Arteta to give Ethan Nwaneri a chance

Nwaneri, in particular, is a player that there is plenty of excitement about. The 16-year-old is currently in fine form, too. On Saturday, Arsenal’s under-18s side thrashed Crewe Alexandra 7-1 in an FA Youth Cup encounter. Nwaneri bagged five goals himself in that match.

The teenager has already made his senior debut, of course. In September 2022, he became the youngest player in Premier League history as he made a late cameo off the bench against Brentford. He is yet to add to his tally of appearances for Arteta’s side, though he has committed his long-term future to the club since then.

Plenty of Arsenal fans want to see Nwaneri start against PSV. Taking to X, one supporter said, “get this guy in the first team.” Another agreed, saying that the youngster “has got to start against PSV.”

One fan said, “it’s high time Arteta give him a chance, this is how saka develop into a monster player.” Another begged Arteta to recognise Nwaneri’s potential, stating, “put him in the senior team! PLEASE!”

Looking further ahead into the future, and the player Nwaneri might become, one supporter said, “hurts to say but [Emile] Smith Rowe and [Fabio] Vieira your days are numbered.”