Mikel Arteta Responds To Calls For Ethan Nwaneri To Start Against Leicester City

By The Editor
on 27th September 2024

Arteta feels Nwaneri is close…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta feels starlet Ethan Nwaneri is close to making the first XI in a Premier League game after his virtuoso display against Bolton in the Carabao Cup.

Nwaneri was handed his first start in a competitive fixture and took the chance with both hands in front of a sold-out Emirates Stadium for the third-round tie.

The 17-year-old made his first appearance of the season in the dying embers of the north London derby a fortnight ago, marking his third Premier League appearance.

Now, having been involved in all of our matchday squads this season and now completing 90 minutes for the first time, many feel he should start against Leicester City at the weekend amid Martin Odegaard’s continued absence.

“Let’s go, it’s another step,” Arteta said in his post-match press conference.

“I think it’s ahead of what anyone could have expected, in his journey with the first-team he’s always ahead of what anyone expected and what I expected as well. He’s part of us so he will have the minutes.”

Nwaneri netted a brace against the League One side, though it was his second effort that pleased Arteta the most.

The England youth international raced clear after Declan Rice stole possession high up the pitch and with senior players calling for the ball next to him, the teenager had the bravery to take on the finish himself.

“On the second one, I was really happy for him because he scored. I’m very happy because you know, I know the reaction of his teammates if he wouldn’t.”

For what it’s worth, Nwaneri should absolutely start on Saturday. He’s the closest player – in terms of profile – to Odegaard in the squad and if we’re to return to our free-flowing best, we must play with more guile in midfield.

Arteta choosing senior and more physically robust options for the trips to Spurs and Man City was understandable, but it’s time to take more risks in our lineup for our next two Premier League fixtures.