Ethan Nwaneri has been involved with the first team this season, having played in four matches in all competitions. His last start was the entire 90 minutes in the EFL Cup match, when we won 2-0 against Port Vale, a few days prior to playing Newcastle. He also came on as a late sub in the Premier League against Manchester City as well against others. However, his recent absence from the matchday squad was a tactical decision. This highlights the challenges of squad management. Moreover, it suggests the club’s patience over panic for the long-term planning of the 18-year-old.
Competition and Positions
One area of interest regarding his exclusion in the squad to face Newcastle was the inclusion of 15-year old Max Dowman on the bench instead. We can speculate some tactical reasoning behind this as Nwaneri predominantly played as a right winger last season. However, now he is in consideration for a more central-midfield role. It would make sense that Dowman will be more suitable because of natural option to play in a wide position. While Nwaneri’s use as a wide player has changed. Now he is being more commonly played in a central midfield position on the first team.
Nwaneri’s Role and Recent Games
Nwaneri has participated with the first team this season, with him getting four games in all competitions. His last match was a complete 90 minutes in the EFL Cup victory over Port Vale, a couple of days previous to facing Newcastle. He has played in the Premier League, including some late cameos against Manchester City, among others.
A noteworthy point about Nwaneri not making the bench against Newcastle, was that the Gunners opted for 15-year-old Max Dowman. This speaks to a tactical preference. Nwaneri played predominantly as a right-winger last season, but is being developed on his way to a future in central-midfield. So, with Nwaneri not on the bench, it is a possibility that Dowman who appears to be more of a natural width option could be an indicator that Nwaneri’s position in the squad has shifted slightly.
Author’s Opinion
Arteta has guaranteed every player “will have the opportunities to play” in a long season ahead of us. For Nwaneri, getting into a midfield with Martin รdegaard and Eberechi Eze is a matter of patience over panic. He is part of a very tightly managerial development plan and the club has shown a lot of faith in him for the future by offering him a new long-term deal this summer.
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