Against Brentford, Mikel Arteta deployed Ethan Nwaneri in the role Bukayo Saka has perfected, cutting in as a left-footed right winger and Arsenal looked far more coherent for it.
In the first half, Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli had the fewest touches of all outfield players, but the teenager impressed with what little ball he had. He was the only player to complete all of his passes in that opening period – 17 of 17.
It was a test to see if he could step that up in the second half, when Arsenal needed it. It was an exam that the college-aged student passed with flying colours.
“He just makes me smile,” said TNT Sports pundit Karen Carney. “He’s brave, he’s bold – for someone who is so young as well.
“For a young man, he was outstanding. He was positive and a joy to watch. I can’t believe how young he is. He will be an absolute player for Arsenal.”
“He is definitely going to get chances with Saka not available,” added former Arsenal defender Martin Keown. “It is all there under the bonnet waiting to come out.”
Arteta has handled Nwaneri with kid gloves since giving him his debut, but the manager felt this was the time and place to give him the biggest spotlight of his career so far.
“We had a 17-year-old in the starting line-up who did great,” Arteta told his post-match media conference. “I thought Ethan was the best player in that position to start the game.
“It is patience, managing frustration and expectation. We are building him.”
