Arsenal: Man-of-the-match Ethan Nwaneri reacts to 'surreal' full debut as academy stars beat Bolton

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·26 septembre 2024

Arsenal: Man-of-the-match Ethan Nwaneri reacts to 'surreal' full debut as academy stars beat Bolton

The 17-year-old scored twice as a young Gunners side won in the Carabao Cup

Ethan Nwaneri is hungry for more minutes after marking his first start for Arsenal with two goals.

Vidéos OneFootball

The 17-year-old found the net in either half on Wednesday night as Arsenal thumped Bolton 5-1 at Emirates Stadium to book a trip to Preston in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Nwaneri has long been tipped for big things by those at Arsenal, but has had to be patient after making his debut two years ago aged 15.

Mikel Arteta has slowly blooded the midfielder, who is now keen for more action after making his full debut.

“I’m buzzing,” said Nwaneri. “I’m so happy to have helped the team go through to the next round and I am just ready for whatever’s next.

(L-R): Ethan Nwaneri, Ayden Heaven, Khari Ranson, Ismeal Kabia, Jack Porter, Alexei Rojas, Josh Nichols, Maldini Kacurri and Myles Lewis-Skelly

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“It’s a great feeling when the club you love, the club you’ve grown up with, the fans are chanting your name. It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy… I just want more of it.”

Nwaneri was one of four teenagers who started for Arsenal last night, with two more coming off the bench in the second half.

“All the players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together,” said Nwaneri. “It’s a crazy feeling. It’s good.”

One of those picked to play was 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter, who became the youngest ever player to start a match for Arsenal.

All the players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together,Ethan Nwaneri

Porter was thrown in as the Gunners were without No1 David Raya due to a thigh injury, backup Neto was cup-tied and No3 Tommy Setford had a hip issue.

The 16-year-old performed steadily, and Arteta praised him for how he handled the occasion.

“We told him yesterday [he was starting] and he was over the moon straight away,” said Arteta. “I think he spoke to his family. And yeah, they weren’t prepared for that. It’s a big step. It’s a big occasion for them.

“And I think they were nervous about it. But I think he reacted really well. He was really composed yesterday in training today as well. His team-mates really helped him as well on that. And what an experience and what a way to break a record.

“Jack has been training with us since pre-season, we’re confident he can do the role obviously he plays in the international team, we’ve seen what he can do and we believe he was the right choice.”