Nicolas Anelka has already proved why Ethan Nwaneri can be Arsenal’s saviour this season

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Of all the players Arsenal could have lost to injury this season, Martin Odegaard is arguably the hardest to replace for Mikel Arteta.

The Arsenal captain plays a fairly unique role for Arteta, occupying the inside right channel, displaying so much quality on the ball, as well leading the press.

Without Odegaard in the North London derby, Arsenal didn’t play with their typical shape or control of the ball, meaning Arteta didn’t give too much away in terms of his replacement plan.

But something we did learn from the win over Tottenham – Ethan Nwaneri is ready.

Nwaneri played with so much maturity, protecting the ball when necessary and then progressing it in the right moments.

A short cameo, but one that proved that he’s ready to start.

Ethan Nwaneri ready to become an Arsenal star after Martin Odegaard injury

Of course, it would still be a very bold call for Arteta to put Nwaneri into his eleven after away trips to Atalanta and Manchester City.

But that prospect is now becoming more and more feasible – Arsenal’s most natural replacement for Odegaard.

READ MORE: Arsenal wonderkid set to break European record that has stood since 2013 against Atalanta

That being said, when discussing Odegaard’s absence and the possibility of Nwaneri getting a chance, journalist Charles Watts recalled how Nicolas Anelka came through at Arsenal in the past – an example that Nwaneri can definitely follow.

Watts explained: “I think back to 1997/98 when Arsenal won the double and we lost Ian Wright early on in the season.

“We started really well, he’d broke the goalscoring record, Cliff Bastin’s record and then he got an injury and he was out for about three months.

“Who was there? 18-year-old Nicolas Anelka. Hadn’t scored a goal for Arsenal before Wrighty got injured.

“Came into the team, had a tough start but then he grew into the season, scored that goal against Manchester United in the 3-2 win and then had a really good season and was arguably Arsenal’s star striker by the end of that season.”

Arsenal need to follow Kevin De Bruyne example

Of course, it’s important to remember that Man City, who Arsenal will face on Sunday, lost Kevin De Bruyne for a similar period last season.

De Bruyne has been just as crucial to Pep Guardiola as Odegaard has been for Arsenal over the past couple of seasons.

And as Phil Foden did at the Etihad last season, it’s time for other Arsenal players to step up.

Nwaneri is obviously a fair few years behind where Foden was at that point, but there’s no reason why he can’t contribute in similar fashion.

A remarkable young talent, who will also go on to star for England one day.