Ian Wright now thinks ‘special’ Arsenal talent could be handed surprise start vs Southampton

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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has made a bold prediction ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Southampton.

After spending time on the road, Arsenal returned to action in the Premier League at the Emirates last weekend against Leicester City. 

The Gunners secured a late 4-2 win over the Foxes, maintaining their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 calendar.

While Mikel Arteta’s side are still recovering from their Champions League victory against Paris Saint-Germain, some thought has already been had about the next fixture. 

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Ian Wright calls on Ethan Nwaneri to start against Southampton

Next up for the Gunners comes a test against newly-promoted Southampton at the Emirates.

It’s been a nightmare return to the top flight for the Saints, who sit 19th in the table with just one point on the board after six games played.

Russell Martin’s side will be desperate for a win in North London, in what is poised to be an interesting affair in N5.

Speaking ahead of the Premier League clash, that will see Aaron Ramsdale return to the Emirates for the first time, Ian Wright made one bold call. 

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Ethan Nwaneri started that game. It’s looking exciting,” Wright said on the Wrighty’s House podcast. 

17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri was handed his full senior debut by Arteta recently in the EFL cup win over Bolton Wanderers, where he impressed by scoring a brace. 

Wright, like many others, now wants to see the teenager get his first Premier League start for his boyhood club, with there no better time than the upcoming duel against Southampton. 

Arsenal should utilise Nwaneri against Southampton

Nwaneri has quickly impressed at Arsenal, as Arteta handed the Hale End product a place around the first team for the season ahead.

Already the attacking midfielder has appeared in two Premier League games this term, recording impressive cameos against both Spurs and Leicester. 

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta cannot ignore Ethan Nwaneri’s latest message after Arsenal win over Leicester City

Paul Merson branded Nwaneri ‘special’ as a result of his fearless approach to play in the first team, emphasising Wright’s admission over the teen’s chances against the Saints.

With Martin Odegaard still out of action, Arteta should put Nwaneri to the test in his favoured number 10 role, with a Premier League start certainly earned in recent weeks.

The next question would be who drops out to accommodate the 17-year-old if he were to start against Southampton, in what would be a bold but exciting call from the manager.