Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri pulled off a brilliant goal which had echoes of a Robert Pires classic ahead of big week for the Gunners
Ethan Nwaneri scored a wonderful goal while on duty with England’s under-21s this week, as he again cements his place in the mind of Mikel Arteta. Discussion over minutes and potential loan moves has dominated the discourse of late.
However, the player again showed exactly why Mikel Arteta has the confidence to keep him in the group, knowing he will get minutes. However, it was the finish against Slovakia that drew parallels to a certain Arsenal legend and the Invincibles.
While it might have lacked the beautiful piece of skill Robert Pires executed, dinking the ball over George Boateng’s head in 2002, the chipped finish over Peter Schmeichel is what Nwaneri would recreate. Adam Hrdina was left helpless, running back watching the ball fly over his head to nestle in the back of the net.
Nwaneri’s minutes have been mitigated by the arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, in addition to the arrival into the senior setup of Max Dowman. Arteta has been open in his criticisms of Nwaneri in some ways.
Citing the duels he has lost or the lack of impact in some moments. However, there is no doubt about his keenness to get the best from a talent that he has shown belief in since he allowed him to become the Premier League’s youngest-ever player when he made his debut against Brentford at 15.
For the North London Derby, even with Martin Odegaard out, it is unlikely that Nwaneri would start the game, but with the clash with Chelsea just a week away, it wouldn’t be a surprise should Arteta decide to rotate in midweek.
Arsenal have won four out of four in Europe this season, and although Bayern Munich are by far the most challenging side they have faced this season, the desperation for points in the league phase pales in comparison to the Premier League right now. There are some other players returning from injury, as mentioned, but Nwaneri could still be in with a chance to start against the German champions.