Mikel Arteta has promised Ethan Nwaneri he will get another opportunity to impress after his eye-catching performance in Arsenal’s pre-season win over Manchester United.
The teenager shot to prominence two years ago when he became the youngster player in Premier League history when he appeared as a late substitute in the Gunners’ 3-0 win at Brentford.
Rival clubs Chelsea and Manchester City had hoped to poach the England youth international from his boyhood club, but Nwaneri ended months of speculation surrounding his future by signing a new long-term contract earlier this year.
With Arsenal’s midfield options limited at present due to the unavailability of Declan Rice, Nwaneri, who doesn’t turn 18 until next March, has featured prominently on Arsenal’s tour of America so far.
Following a draw against Bournemouth earlier this week, Arsenal stepped up their preparations ahead of the new campaign with a 2-1 victory over United in Los Angeles.
Having trailed to Rasmus Hojlund’s early goal, Nwaneri played a key role in his side’s equaliser, delivering a perfect cross into the path of Gabriel Jesus who converted from close range.
Arsenal secured a morale-boosting win late on through Gabriel Martinelli’s goal, but it was Nwaneri who stole the show with a commanding display.
‘It’s always in the hands of the players, so show what you can do,’ said Arteta in his post match press conference.
‘Show that ambition, that determination, that quality and things will happen naturally. Tomorrow he’s going to train with us again and if he continues to play like that he’s going to play some minutes on Wednesday for sure.’
Arteta has been criticised for his handling of Arsenal’s brightest young talents with Amario Cozier-Duberry having left for Brighton earlier this month, and goal machine Chido Obi-Martin also set to depart.
The Arsenal boss did, however, reserve extra praise for another teenager Ayden Heaven, who recovered from a mistake that led to Hojlund’s strike to put in an impressive display.
Arteta added: ‘At 17, I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this. He’s lost a duel against one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen.
‘But the reaction afterwards, the composure, the quality, the body language that he had were all remarkable. I’m really happy with him.’
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