Arsenal finally returned to winning ways in the Premier League when they thrashed high-flying Nottingham Forest over the weekend.
The Gunners had gone over a month without tasting victory in the division, following a tricky run that included matches against Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea.
However, with Martin Odegaard returning from injury, there was hope that Mikel Arteta would have all the answers to the problems the side have recently faced.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey gave Arsenal a commanding lead at the Emirates Stadium, calling for changes from the bench.
The manager obliged and with it came the icing on the cake as Raheem Sterling set up Ethan Nwaneri for a first Premier League goal for the youngster.
It’s a moment the 17-year-old will never forget, though there is plenty of hope that it is just the first of many.
- READ MORE: Gary Neville sends clear message to Mikel Arteta after crucial Arsenal win vs Nottingham Forest
Stars react to Ethan Nwaneri’s first Arsenal league goal
With plenty of praise flooding in for the youngster, Nwaneri took to Instagram after the match to post a picture of his first league goal.
Simply captioned with a heart, there was some reaction from Arsenal stars past and present in the comments.
Declan Rice was among the first to reply with a touching message, responding: “Couldn’t be happier for you, you got everything to come.”
Former Hale End Academy star Omari Hutchinson also replied: “Baller,” while fellow academy players Tyler Dibling, Khayon Edwards, Tommy Setford and more all commented a mixture of hearts and fire emojis to underscore their pride in seeing another youngster impact the first team.
It’s quite clear that big things are expected of Nwaneri, but it’s also clear that everyone is pushing to help him reach those heights as best he can.
That includes Arteta, who has been slow to play him in recent weeks, but perhaps for a longer-term gain than simply throwing him into these occasions too often and too quickly.
Mikel Arteta faces Ethan Nwaneri dilemma for Sporting CP vs Arsenal
While it’s a huge moment for Nwaneri and Arsenal, there isn’t much time to dwell on it as the fixtures keep coming thick and fast.
Next up is the Champions League with a tough trip to Portuguese side Sporting CP on the cards – who have already beaten Manchester City this season.
With Odegaard only recently returning from injury and some tough Premier League fixtures ahead, it may be the time to hand a first European start to Nwaneri.
Arteta has already revealed his temptation to do so in prior games during his post-match press conference, stating: “I am always tempted. I think he’s the second-youngest player for the club to score in the Premier League.
“It’s giving us all the reason and today is another reason to put him there but that’s when I play him and not somebody else. It’s step-by-step, I would say.”
Whether that next step is so immediate remains to be seen, but there is a chance to rotate the squad while handing valuable minutes out.
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