For all of the controversy that happened in Arsenal’s win over Brighton, one thing became very clear.
The Gunners once again failed to move closer to Liverpool, squandering the chance to go three points behind the league leaders.
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brighton in yet another controversy-filled contest between the two clubs.
Mikel Arteta was furious with Anthony Taylor, as the referee awarded Brighton a penalty for a clash of heads between William Saliba and Joao Pedro.
Mikel Arteta confirms Ethan Nwaneri injury in fresh update
Despite Brighton’s controversial penalty against Arsenal earning the headlines, there were several positives for Arteta to take.
One shining light was Ethan Nwaneri, who made Arsenal history by becoming the first player to score more than one Premier League goal before he turned 18.
While Nwaneri impressed at the Amex, fans only got to see 45 minutes of the teenager, who was hooked at half-time.
Some assumed the change was tactical after the midfielder was booked however, Arteta later confirmed that the substitution was due to injury.
“Really bad news because I think we’ve lost him, we had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues,” Arteta said to the media post match.
Just as Arteta thought he’d found his Bukayo Saka replacement, the Gunners were struck with yet another injury concern.
Nwaneri being hurt at this time is a significant loss for the Arsenal manager, who is back to square one on his journey to replacing Saka.
Arsenal must take advantage of the January transfer window
With Saka expected to miss weeks of action with injury, Arteta has no choice but to search for the winger’s replacement.
Having already scoured the team for in-house cover, the boss must turn to the transfer window to bolster his options in the Arsenal squad.
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Nwaneri has impressed Arteta in recent weeks when deployed on the right side but now that the teenager is injured, the manager has nowhere to turn.
The January transfer window has come at a perfect time for Arsenal, who must actively study the market for a top-quality addition in attack.
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