New Delhi: There’s little doubt that Bukayo Saka is a stand-out player around whom Arsenal’s success has revolved around. It is an understatement that the English winger’s months of absence due to hamstring issues will be missed. It is crucial that Arsenal’s front line try to replace him as they are one of the contenders for lifting the Premier League trophy.
During the Brentford victory, that was how things shaped up for Arsenal as they came from behind after a fantastic goal from Gabriel Jesus and Mikel Merino’s close-range strike. Three minutes after Merino’s score, Gabriel Martinelli ensured that his side took the 3-1 win. Though it was Jesus and Martinelli who produced those goals, it was Ethan Nwaneri who in his first Premier League start was the most impressive of the front line.
🏆 Our Player of the Match last night…
One of our own, Ethan Nwaneri ✨ pic.twitter.com/No1OdGdAKv
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 2, 2025
The 17-year-old had made his Premier League two years ago against Brentford and has since made ten appearances this season as a substitute before Wednesday’s game. Nwaneri was crucial in both of the second goals scored by the Gunners. It was Nwaneri’s corner that helped Merino score the second goal for Arsenal and was followed by an uncleared cross that was swept by Martinelli for the final goal.
Arsenal’s strong resolve despite setbacks
Aside from Saka’s injury Arsenal also had to deal with illness, which even saw Kai Havertz ruled out of the game. The win would put Mikel Arteta over the moon, as the team put in a brilliant effort despite many playing the game still reeling from the illness. It did explain the slow start that Arsenal initially had displayed.
Arteta had put Raheem Sterling on the right wing when Saka had previously missed the game against Bournemouth. Ultimately Sterling proved ineffective and was taken off the field within 37 minutes. Against Ipswich Town Martinelli did feature on the right wing but is clearly more comfortable on the left side of the field and reverted to his preferred position against Brentford. Against Shakhtar Donetsk during the Champions League clash, Arteta put two strikes with Jesus playing wide.
Against Brentford, Arteta used Nwaneri in Saka’s role as a left-footed right winger and Arsenal looked much more consistent and dominating. During the first half, both Nwaneri and Martinelli had few touches but the English teenager was impressive in the little opportunity he had. Nwaneri completed all of his 17 passes in the opening phase of the game.
Ethan Nwaneri’s clinical second-half performance
Of course, Arsenal needed Nwaneri to step up in the second half and the midfielder performed when it mattered the most. Based on this performance, there is little doubt that Nwaneri will be getting a lot of opportunities, with Arsenal obviously looking at him as someone who can be an asset in the future for them. Arteta has been cautious on how to use Nwaneri since giving him the debut and was waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Arteta later commended Nwaneri’s amazing performance and noted that he was one of the best bets to start in the position. He concluded that they were still building him and of course, it is true that is far away from being Saka’s replacement who has perfected the craft of playing in the right wing. However, he is the best Arsenal have and the proof is the touch map from Nwaneri’s game against Brentford and Saka’s in his final full game for Arsenal, which Arsenal ended with a goalless draw against Everton.
🔴⚪️ Arteta: “Nwaneri he gives us all the right reasons to start as he’s training very well”.
“We could’ve signed a player from any country, but he would be playing. He deserves to play”. pic.twitter.com/Z2XfcuEUOC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 2, 2025
What it does mean for Arsenal is that the youngster fits well in the system Arsenal are familiar playing with. As a right-footed right winger, Martinelli was obviously much different and Arsenal had to play much differently. The Brazilian in the role failed to create a chance or have a shot and the fewest shots amidst the Gunners’ playing the entire duration of the game. Playing against Bees from the left, he had four shots four chances, and scored for the second time in three games.
The game also was good for Jesus who was able to perform well in the middle. Until Saka’s departure against Crystal Palace, Jesus had only one goal in 20 appearances. Since then he scored six times in four appearances with his performance for the club being vital in the last week. At the right moment, Jesus might have found his rhythm and taken over the responsibilities.
While many had asked for Arsenal to sign another attacker in January in light of Saka’s injury, it is to be seen if they will do the same. They cannot sign on loan with backup keeper Neto and Sterling taking over the two temporary slots. Of course, without their biggest player, Arsenal will find it hard to keep up their chase against table leaders Liverpool, though their New Year performance does put them in a good spot.
With Bukayo Saka out of action for a prolonged period of time, Ethan Nwaneri’s display against Brentford is a a bit of a relief after the 17-year-old created two successful chances in the second half. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
