Mikel Arteta was happy by Ethan Nwaneri’s performance, but he was not surprised by it either. The 17-year-old’s incredible goal helped Arsenal defeat Preston 3-0 and advance to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. Gabriel Jesus’s first goal since January had put Arsenal ahead, and Kai Havertz, a substitute, added the third early in the second half. The teenager then twisted in a beautiful first-half goal.
Nwaneri, who began his senior career with a brace in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory against Bolton in the previous round, put up another impressive Carabao Cup showing. Although a late strike struck the crossbar, he might have had two in Deepdale as well. “We’re getting used to that,” the Arsenal manager stated, adding that he did it during training yesterday as well.
Ethan Nwaneri shines for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta praises 17-year-old
“We have some players there, but we need to make sure that we put brick by brick in the right tempo, in the right order, and he’s got the right players and context around him. He’s a big talent.” Arteta continued, “I’m really, really happy with him, but he’s going to really dictate how fast that’s going to go.”
“There is a lot of individuality there. He wants to force things to happen; he wants every ball. As is typical for a 17-year-old, the boy is still a little quiet outside. But you can tell that he loves what he does, has an amazing work ethic, and is incredibly respectful. I believe that he is demonstrating his abilities every day. His teammates are always passing the ball to him, which is a positive indication. Thus, we have a player there.
