"I am responsible to build a career for him" - Mikel Arteta sheds light on developing Ethan Nwaneri after goal for Arsenal in 3-0 win
Arsenal’s teenage prodigy Ethan Nwaneri made Premier League history, scoring his first top-flight goal in the Gunners’ 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Mikel Arteta heaped praise on the youngster after his showing at the Emirates in their Premier League clash.
The 17-year-old is heralded as one of the brightest prospects in English football. He once again displayed the fearless quality that has fans buzzing with excitement. Coming off the bench in the 82nd minute, Nwaneri wasted no time making his presence felt. His energetic run, skipping past two defenders, culminated in a precise finish that nestled Arsenal’s third goal of the day.
While the crowd erupted in celebration, manager Mikel Arteta tempered the moment with a cautious reminder: Nwaneri’s development is a marathon, not a sprint. After the game, Arteta was full of praise for the young forward but emphasized the importance of patience in nurturing his talent.
He said (via arseblog):
"I am responsible to build a career for him. You have to do that brick by brick. Today he put another brick. Now we have to put another cement, make sure it doesn’t get dry so we can put another one and that will stick."
The Arsenal boss was clear about the dangers of rushing such a young player, adding:
"If you want to put five bricks in a row, believe me, it won’t work. We have to manage not only his expectations but also his load, which is really important."
Nwaneri’s goal against Nottingham Forest was his fourth of the season across all competitions, having already scored three times in the EFL Cup. Remarkably, he has achieved this feat in just 238 minutes of playing time across competitions.
Fans have often called for more frequent appearances for Nwaneri. However, Arteta is determined to shield the youngster from the pressure that often derails promising careers when thrust into the spotlight too early.
Ethan Nwaneri becomes Arsenal's second-youngest Premier League scorer
At just 17 years and 247 days old, Ethan Nwaneri etched his name into Arsenal’s history books as the club’s second-youngest Premier League goal scorer. Only the legendary Cesc Fàbregas, who found the net at 17 years and 113 days against Blackburn Rovers in 2004, achieved the milestone at a younger age.
Here's what Mikel Arteta said (via GOAL):
"He is the second youngest [Premier League goalscorer] in our history," Arteta told Match of the Day. "That's a story in itself. He's brave. You see the reaction of fans and they were singing 'he's one of our own'."
Nwaneri’s moment of brilliance came with a composed finish, capitalizing on Raheem Sterling’s perfectly executed cutback in the 86th minute. The prodigious midfielder showcased his maturity and clinical touch. He sealed his maiden goal in England’s top flight and offered a tantalizing glimpse of his immense potential.
With Nwaneri now making headlines alongside other young stars like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal’s youth development pipeline continues to look formidable.
Meanwhile, Arsenals' win against Nottingham Forest solidifies in fourth position. The north London club would be hoping to continue their resurgent run when they take on West Ham United on Saturday, November 30.
