After Arsenal’s remarkable Champions League win, Declan Rice sent a clear message to Mikel Arteta about Ethan Nwaneri.
Rice was at the heart of all things positive in Arsenal’s 7-1 thrashing of PSV, who were left shellshocked in their own home when the Gunners came to town.
Arsenal now have one foot in the Champions League quarter-final, with Real Madrid holding a slim lead over Atletico Madrid after the first leg.
While Rice earned an assist in a five-star display, the night also belonged to Nwaneri, who made Champions League history and contributed to the goals once again.
Arsenal star Declan Rice sends clear Ethan Nwaneri demand to Mikel Arteta
Arsenal’s injury record has been a problem all season but, if there’s one positive that’s come from key absences, it’s the opportunity that’s arisen for Nwaneri.
The 17-year-old is a force to be reckoned with on the right flank, covering for Bukayo Saka exceptionally well as the winger recovers from hamstring surgery.
Though Arteta will be relishing what Nwaneri is doing on the biggest stage of domestic football, the Arsenal manager will also spare a thought to his future plans.
Saka is expected to return after the international break, which will soon after see him reclaim his place at right wing – or will it?
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video after Arsenal’s resounding win over PSV, Rice admitted that Nwaneri would be playing ‘even if’ Saka was fit and ready for action.
“Even if Saka was still here, Ethan would still be in and around the team getting minutes because trust me, he trains that well and he’s that good.”
Arteta is set to go from wondering where he would find an attacking threat in his baren squad to having a rather severe selection headache to tend to.
It’s a fascinating dilemma for the boss to solve given the level that Nwaneri is performing at and, the level that Saka can offer on his day when fully fit.
Nwaneri ran the show against PSV in Champions League victory
It’s not every day that a 17-year-old academy graduate performs so fearlessly in the knockout rounds of the Champions League, but that’s the standard Nwaneri is becoming accustomed to.
| Ethan Nwaneri vs PSV Eindhoven |
| 1 goal |
| 4 shots |
| 100% dribbles completed |
| 1 foul drawn |
| 2 duels won |
The Hale End product was at the heart of all things positive in Arsenal’s win over PSV, being a constant threat with his shooting and, a masterful dribbler when breaking forward.
Rice believes that he knows the answer when Saka returns to fitness, with his opinion being that Nwaneri must continue to play a major role in Arsenal’s attack.
There’s no going back for the teenager now that he’s shone so brightly, which could motivate Saka even more to get back to his best after his injury.
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