“Special, Special Talent” – Arsenal Stars Laud Ethan Nwaneri After Senior Outing

By The Editor
on 12th February 2024

Ethan Nwaneri enjoyed a neat cameo…

Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri was given a 20-minute cameo by Mikel Arteta in our 6-0 thrashing of West Ham United with the playmaker certainly making an impression on his senior teammates.

Nwaneri, who made his first appearance for the senior side since making his debut against Brentford 17 months ago, enjoyed a tidy cameo as the team saw out a comfortable win.

Arteta has been under scrutiny in recent weeks regarding the lack of academy products who’ve made the pathway during his tenure as Arsenal boss. Those critics grew louder last month as the likes of Bradley Ibrahim and Lino Sousa secured permanent moves elsewhere.

The boss made it clear that he’s happy to give academy players a chance, though he’ll not compromise on ability with the team competing at the pinnacle of English and European football.

Despite being 16, Nwaneri is the Hale End product who’s garnered the most attention – mainly due to how hard the club fought to keep him amid serious interest from Chelsea and Manchester City.

One glimpse is all that’s needed to see that the England U18 international has serious potential, and that’s certainly recognised by his senior teammates.

“There is something that you have to do in your team, and that is the trust of the teammates,” Arteta told the press after the game.

“And I had two things: one, the players on the bench whispering to bring Ethan on, which is a great thing to hear, and the other one your teammates want to give you the ball all of the time.”

The players echoed the boss’ comments as they rushed to Nwaneri’s Instagram post to let the world know their thoughts on the starlet.

“Special, special talent”, Declan Rice commented

Bukayo Saka only needed one word – “baller.”

Check out the post below.