Manager & teammate insist Nwaneri’s Arsenal goal was no fluke | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta had plenty to say about Ethan Nwaneri after the midfielder’s impressive goal in another League Cup win for Arsenal on Wednesday night.

PRESTON, ENGLAND: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal controls the ball during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal at Deepdale on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

After scoring a brace in his first start for Arsenal, the League Cup win over Bolton Wanderers in the previous round, Ethan Nwaneri got another opportunity in the lineup against Preston North End on Wednesday night.

Once again, Nwaneri took the chance, scoring a fantastic curling effort from outside the area. He could have had a hat-trick on the night, hitting the bar with another curler and seeing a goal ruled out for an offside against Kai Havertz.

One wonder goal was enough to get people talking about the teenager once again, though manager Mikel Arteta and debutant teammate Ayden Heaven both admitted they’ve seen that finish before.

PRESTON, ENGLAND: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal scores his team’s second goal during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal at Deepdale on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

“He did it yesterday in training so we’re used to that,” Arteta said. “He’s a big talent, he’s got the right attitude, he’s got the right players and context around him and we need to make sure that we put brick by brick in the right order but we have some player here.”

“Yeah, I’m used to it now, I’ve seen him do it all of last year,” Heaven said of the goal. “I’ve grown up with him as well. I joined when I was 13 and he was here as well, so yeah, it’s been a long time.”

PRESTON, ENGLAND: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal at Deepdale on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

As for what the future holds for Nwaneri, Arteta seemed very positive, suggesting he wouldn’t hold the midfielder back.

“He’s going to really dictate how fast [his development is] going to go but I’m really happy with him,” Arteta added.

“So much personality there, he wants every ball, he wants to make things happen. Outside and around he’s still a bit quiet as usual, he’s 17 years old, very respectful, his work ethic is tremendous and he loves what he does, you can tell that.

“He’s showing every day what he’s capable of and you see his teammates, they give him the ball all the time, that’s a great sign. We have some player there.”

With a few big away games coming up before the November international break, Nwaneri will hope for more chances to show his quality. The League Cup returns with the quarter-final against Crystal Palace in December, and he should certainly expect to start that one.