Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri was a bright spark yet again for the side, despite a relatively difficult performance from the team all-round against Leicester.
Mikel Arteta’s side had to battle hard against the Foxes, who looked to frustrate the Gunners at every opportunity with a solid defensive display.
Without a recognised striker, Arsenal seemingly lacked some cutting edge, though that was later provided by substitute Mikel Merino.
While the midfielder chipped in with goals, it was Ethan Nwaneri who was the star of the show throughout the game.
With another assist to his tally, the Hale End academy youngster is shining but faces a new challenge in the weeks ahead.
- READ MORE: Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli react to Arsenal win over Leicester with message to Mikel Merino
Ethan Nwaneri faces Bukayo Saka problem for Arsenal
One challenge for Nwaneri comes over his position in the team, with the youngster looking most impressive on the right flank.
That is a place often taken up by Bukayo Saka for Arsenal, and with his impressive performances over many years there, we are likely to see him keep that role.
Saka’s injury created an opening for Nwaneri on the flank, though his return to action in March creates a new issue for the youngster in terms of finding his place in the team.
It was something Michael Owen touched on when speaking on Premier League productions, claiming: “He’s [Nwaneri] good, I really, really like him, I think he’s going to be a name for the long term.
“I mean, [Bukayo] Saka’s going to have to come back into the team in a couple of months’ time or whenever it will be and it won’t be easy to take him out of the team the way he’s playing at the moment.”
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown agreed but thought it was a “nice problem” for Mikel Arteta to have.
He told TNT Sports: “Where will he [Nwaneri] end up playing? It’s a nice problem when Bukayo Saka gets back fit.
“He was immense, coming back off the line, stepping in. He looks so assured, his decision-making is different class.”
It’s a decision that Arteta will have to make soon, with Saka stepping up his recovery for a return in the next month.
- READ MORE: Alan Shearer reveals what Mikel Merino changed for Arsenal with striker shift against Leicester City
Ethan Nwaneri could play other positions for Arsenal
Arsenal have been crying out for a backup to Saka for some time and with Nwaneri, they may finally have exactly that.
Though, that said, the youngster will be looking to be more than just a backup, which could see him handed opportunities elsewhere.
Mikel Arteta has used the 17-year-old as a number ten before, while he has previously hinted at playing him on the left or even as a striker.
With a player of his ability, Nwaneri could be moulded into whatever player the team needs and impress in the future.
It remains to be seen where will be his guaranteed positions, but tactical flexibility has never been an issue for this manager.
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