On his first start for Arsenal, teenage wonder Nwaneri excels as Saka’s backup

Even though Arsenal’s injured talisman Bukayo Saka might not return until the end of the season, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri gave a brilliant performance in Wednesday’s 3-1 victory away at Brentford, giving hints of what he could bring in his place.

Saka is frequently listed first on the squad sheet, but Arteta required a speedy fix after missing “more than two months” due to hamstring surgery. Arsenal is trying to overtake Liverpool’s six-point advantage in the title battle.

Gabriel Martinelli tried out for Saka’s position, but the Brazilian flourished after switching back to the left wing at Brentford, scoring with a clean finish. The right-footed winger did not fit in on the right side when they defeated Ipswich Town.

Nwaneri’s early Premier League career came full circle at the stadium when Arteta gave him his first start at the age of 15, since Arsenal was also struggling with illness and injuries in the squad.

“It was a decision I made because I thought he was the best player to play in the position to start the game and because there was a story there with his debut here,” Arteta stated.

“He made his Premier League debut, and occasionally you get the impression that it’s the perfect choice, but you never know.

“I believe he was incredibly calm, resolute, risk-taking, and proactive. Very impressive.

On his maiden start, Nwaneri displayed no symptoms of nervousness. The teenager stayed busy on the right flank, dribbling past Brentford’s defense and midfield, especially left back Keane Lewis-Potter, with sublime ease.

MOVEMENT AND PACE

Combining speed and deft movement, the fearless English winger occasionally slithered by Brentford opponents and left them for dead while barely even making contact with the ball with his feet during the dribble.

In a club that has thrived on set-piece goals, Nwaneri was the only player to finish all of his passes in the first half despite Brentford’s pressure while he was still on corner duty.

In the second half, he kept up his impressive play. Mikel Merino’s goal from his corner gave Arsenal the lead, and Martinelli’s dangerous ball into the box, which Brentford was unable to clear, made it 3-1.

Nwaneri is the third-youngest player to start for Arsenal in the Premier League, after Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas, at 17 years and 286 days.

Nwaneri’s talent gives Arsenal an alternative, even though Saka may be irreplaceable, and Arteta will need all the assistance they can get with nine games across all competitions in a busy January.

Arsenal will rest comfortable knowing they did not have to pay a dime for an unpolished diamond in Nwaneri, who joined the team at the age of eight and has since come through the academy levels, even if they look for a temporary Saka replacement this month.

“He was excellent. He provides us good reasons to play during training. He would have been playing if we had signed a player from any nation,” Arteta continued.

He’s already played a lot of games and minutes for his age, so we’re building him. And it is exactly what he deserves.”