This Arsenal star has played one minute of football but is showing Mikel Arteta why he has made a huge mistake

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s Hale End academy is continuing to be the shining light in an otherwise dreary season for the Gunners.

Arsenal’s injury crisis this season has meant that their Premier League title hopes have been shattered but the absences to key players has also given the chance to several Hale End prospects.

Ethan Nwaneri has dazzled with his performances this season, meanwhile Myles Lewis-Skelly has earned an England call-up following his impressive displays at left back.

The emergence of the duo has changed Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans in that he now has two players that he can rely on to produce the goods in big moments. Another academy star has also been impressing for the U21 side.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta was so close to ruining his Arsenal project in 2023 but Chelsea saved him

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji scores twice in Arsenal U21 win over Everton

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji has found himself on the periphery of the Arsenal first-team squad but made his mark in a 2-1 victory over Everton for the U21 side.

Butler-Oyedeji was on hand to score twice in the first half before being replaced by fellow striker Khayon Edwards at half time.

The goals took Butler-Oyedeji on to nine goals for the season from 11 appearances for the U21 side and is joint top scorer with Edwards.

Marli Salmon also impressed against Everton as the Arsenal youngsters continue to remind Arteta of the talent coming through the ranks and knocking on the first-team door.

Mikel Arteta should have given Butler-Oyedeji more Arsenal first-team minutes

Despite having no fit recognised striker since Kai Havertz tore his hamstring in early February, Butler-Oyedeji has been given just one minute of first-team football so far this season.

With nine goals to his name at U21 level, he has proven that he know where the goal is and has the natural instinct and position of a forward player – something that has been lacking in the Gunners in recent weeks.

Arsenal fans will be frustrated at the potential missed opportunity for another academy graduate to make their mark but Arteta still has time to integrate Butler-Oyedeji from now until the end of the season.

Should Arsenal secure second place in the coming weeks, there may be some games where the manager can test the young striker out in the League and discover if he has what it takes to bring something to the first-team fold.