When the Arsenal take a hard look, it becomes required that someone should step up. In the crucial context that a Premier League title is on the line, with players such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz unavailable, this meant the team lacked attacking options. Enter Ethan Nwaneri, the 17-year-old prodigy. Playing the part of a peripheral team player earlier than most, he helped push Arsenal one step closer to the top of the table as they overcame Aston Villa 2-0.
The Pressure on Nwaneri: Can He Handle It?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about his duty to ensure Nwaneri’s safety but it is also clear what Nwaneri could achieve. However, Arteta was pragmatic about what they needed to do to push him. “He needs to see that he can fly, and protection is necessary.” The weight of expectation might prove too much, but Nwaneri’s performances in lights for Schalke seem to indicate that he’s more than up to the task at this stage. However, Nwaneri has had to quickly adapt to life in the first team with the Gunners being hit with an injury crisis.
How Nwaneri Took Charge at King Power Stadium
But Nwaneri’s attacking skills shone regardless of the absence of Arsenal’s senior attackers. The dribbling, vision and quick thinking have already made him a threat in the final third. Just before Chelsea fell to Manchester City and Girona he scored against the two. Despite being so young, it may feel like an ask too far for someone, especially one such as Nwaneri, but his performances seem to indicate more than just the usual amount of promise.
The Arsenal Youth Pipeline: his Potential
Nwaneri’s arrival follows in the path of the stars developed at Arsenal and is something the club has long been famed for. Bukayo Saka has set the stage for a generation of talent for Nwaneri to follow as he looks to make his mark on the field in this manner. Nwaneri’s development will be crucial as Arteta has a reputation of giving young players a chance and the young boy looks set for greatness.
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