Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri continues to move from strength to strength as he impressed yet again in the victory over Girona in the Champions League.
The 17-year-old was handed his first start in the competition, showing exactly what he was capable of on the right flank.
In a move that plenty of supporters are getting used to seeing, Nwaneri cut in from the flank onto his left foot, curling an effort beyond the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
It made him the second-youngest scorer in the competition’s history, only behind Jude Bellingham.
It wasn’t just the goal that served to prove that the Arsenal star is one of the most exciting talents in world football though.
His overall display shows a level of a player more than capable of continuing to make an impact for the side.
With that in mind, it harks back to a comment made by one former Chelsea and Tottenham ace that is quite embarrassing now.
- READ MORE: What Spain’s media honestly felt about Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri after watching him play vs Girona
Jason Cundy’s comments on Ethan Nwaneri’s debut emerge
With Nwaneri really starting to flourish now, there is a clear idea of what Mikel Arteta saw when handing the youngster his debut.
He became the youngest-ever Arsenal player when he came on in a victory over Brentford in 2022 – aged just 15 years and 181 days old.
Given the nature of the decision, it caught headlines, with plenty of people both excited and baffled by the call.
It was one that came under particular scrutiny from former Tottenham and Chelsea ace Jason Cundy on TalkSPORT at the time.
He said: “Arteta doesn’t really care about the boy. I’m sorry, I think that’s a really poor, really poor decision because it’s about Arteta, it’s all about Arteta.
“When I saw the kid on the bench I thought it’s great for him being there.
“When I saw him warming up and coming on I thought, this is ridiculous, this has got nothing to do with the kid.
“It’s all about Arteta, self-indulgent. ‘Look what I’ve done, I’ve given the youngest ever player his appearance in the Premier League’. I think it’s a really poor decision.”
It’s a seemingly embarrassing moment from the former player-turned-pundit just a few years on from that moment.
With Nwaneri’s performances since, it’s clear that at no point was it a stunt from Arteta, but rather a sign of intent.
A moment of trust from the manager has now turned into a player ready for the senior team, making an impact at the highest level.
Ethan Nwaneri’s impressive Girona display in numbers
A moment to be remembered for Nwaneri came in the clash against Girona as he scored what proved to be the winner – which was also his first Champions League goal.
It was the type of effort Arsenal haven’t had much of as of late, with his clinical nature showing with just 0.16 xG accrued.
With 38 touches and an 88% pass success rate, it was a successful evening for the young forward, who continues to shine.
Add to that something of a new skill as Nwaneri was placed on corner duty, which is something he is still honing.
At times, he was able to whip in some dangerous crosses, while others were just too flat and low, hitting the front-post zonal blocker.
It was, however, a display to be proud of and one that could see Nwaneri build on it yet again to reach the very top.
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