Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, heaped praise on 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri after the young forward scored his first top-flight goal in the Gunners’ 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Nwaneri’s impressive showing at the Emirates has fans buzzing with excitement, as he has once again displayed his fearless quality, quick reflexes, and clinical finish.
The teenager’s goal was his fourth of the season across all competitions, having already scored three times in the EFL Cup. What’s remarkable is that he has achieved this feat in just 238 minutes of playing time across competitions. This has led to fans calling for more frequent appearances for Nwaneri, but Arteta is determined to shield the youngster from the pressure that often derails promising careers when thrust into the spotlight too early.
Arteta emphasized the importance of patience in nurturing Nwaneri’s talent, stating that he is responsible for building a career for the young forward, and that such a process requires careful management. He urged fans to remember that Nwaneri’s development is a marathon, not a sprint, and that it’s crucial to prioritize his well-being and load management.
Nwaneri’s goal against Nottingham Forest was historic, as he became Arsenal’s second-youngest Premier League goal scorer, behind only the legendary Cesc Fàbregas. The 17-year-old’s moment of brilliance came with a composed finish, capitalizing on Raheem Sterling’s perfectly executed cutback in the 86th minute, showcasing his maturity and clinical touch.
Arsenal’s win against Nottingham Forest solidifies the north London club in fourth position, and they would be hoping to continue their resurgent run when they take on West Ham United on Saturday, November 30. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s youth development pipeline continues to look formidable, with Nwaneri joining other young stars like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in making headlines.
As Arteta pointed out, Nwaneri’s achievement is a “story in itself” and he’s “brave” for taking his chances and making an impact on the pitch. The fans and the team would be eager to see more of Nwaneri’s talent in the coming matches, and Arteta’s cautious approach will undoubtedly help him continue to develop and flourish in the top-flight.
