Paul Merson delivers honest Ethan Nwaneri verdict that every Arsenal fan will agree with

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Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson was keeping a close eye on Ethan Nwaneri on Wednesday night. 

Arsenal beat Preston North End 3-0 in an EFL Cup encounter at Deepdale Stadium.

Mikel Arteta shook up his team selection for this fixture, with Ethan Nwaneri, Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, and Jakub Kiwior coming into the starting XI.

Hale End academy wonderkid Nwaneri was able to steal the show. The 17-year-old was electric from the start.

Arsenal fans heaped praise on Nwaneri, and his stunning strike from range in the first half will live long in the memory. 

The teenager is expected to become a star for the Gunners in the coming years. Arteta is aware that Nwaneri is a huge talent. The pressure on the manager to afford him more first team opportunities will only grow from this point.

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Arsenal icon Paul Merson hails Ethan Nwaneri

Paul Merson is amongst those expecting big things from Nwaneri. 

Having seen the youngster shine against Preston, the former Arsenal midfielder took to X to give his verdict.

Merson said: “Nwaneri looks a brilliant player great goal tonight!”

Arteta now faces the tough task of managing Nwaneri’s development. It is vital that the Spanish coach strikes the right balance with this process, as the England under-19 needs game time to improve and continue making progress, but cannot be forced under too much pressure and scrutiny too soon.

What Nwaneri and Merson have in common

Merson himself came through the Arsenal academy system and broke into the first team at a young age. He was gradually integrated by then-manager George Graham in the late 1980s.

Merson went on to have a successful Arsenal career, establishing himself as a club legend as he made over 400 appearances for the club, across all competitions, winning two league titles, one FA Cup, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup, amongst other honours.

The 56-year-old understands what it takes to make the grade in North London, and will recognise many of the challenges and hurdles now facing Nwaneri, as he sets out to emulate Merson’s progress and success at the club.