Rio Ferdinand thinks Ethan Nwaneri has just exposed an ‘issue’ with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

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Rio Ferdinand thinks Ethan Nwaneri’s debut for Marseille has just exposed Mikel Arteta’s worrying attacking tactics at Arsenal.

Arsenal attacking players have looked really poor recently, with Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard all struggling for goals.

Be honest, how many ELITE forwards do Arsenal actually have?

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Meanwhile, after just 13 minutes into his Marseille debut, Nwaneri produced a brilliant goal from outside the penalty area, something which has become quite rare under Arteta.

Arteta didn’t seem to fancy the 18-year-old this season, and that’s why he was happy to send him on loan to Ligue 1, but the youngster might have just quickly exposed the Spanish coach.

Rio Ferdinand questions Mikel Arteta’s tactics

Rio Ferdinand has questioned the lack of freedom Mikel Arteta is giving his players, following Ethan Nwaneri’s first Marseille goal.

In the aftermath of the Gunners’ defeat to Man United, there has been a real inquest into why Arteta’s team have been struggling recently.

In a combined total of 75 Premier League appearances, Arsenal’s attackers have just one goal from open play, which is an alarming stat.

So to see a player like Nwaneri leave Arteta’s system and immediately flourish is bound to cause concern.

He told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “Ethan Nwaneri goes on loan to Marseille and scores within 13 minutes from open play on his debut. Let that sink in. Who’s been the most frustrating player, or is it down to the manager?

“Are they not allowed to play outside of the box? Are they not allowed to play outside of the framework or the structure that the manager has put into place? Is that the issue?”

Right now, Arteta’s system feels too risk-averse, and it’s something he must change for the final 14 matches of the season.

Roberto De Zerbi tips Ethan Nwaneri to become a ‘top player’

Roberto De Zerbi is backing Nwaneri to become a ‘top player’ at Marseille following his first goal for the club.

Speaking about the winger, he said: “Ethan Nwaneri will become a top player, I’m sure about that. You can see the quality, the impact. He’s so good.”

Nwaneri started over Mason Greenwood against SC Lens, despite the latter scoring 20 goals already this season.