Ethan Nwaneri’s Impressive Performance Helps Arsenal Secure Champions League Spot
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised midfielder Ethan Nwaneri after the 17-year-old’s impressive performance helped the team secure a spot in the Champions League round of 16 with a 2-1 victory against Girona.
Nwaneri’s Winning Goal
Ethan Nwaneri scored the winner in the 42nd minute, marking his first start in the Champions League. The young midfielder, who joined Arsenal at the age of eight, has been impressing since a hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka late in December.
Arteta’s Praise for Nwaneri
"That’s what we love about him, he’s willing to take the initiative to make things happen," Arteta said. "He’s very aggressive when he’s got the ball and so confident, because before that he had another action, a very similar one, he made the right choice, he went for it. He has the capacity to finish from every angle basically and it was a very important goal. It’s very natural for him, you can see the way he takes the touches, how he beats people and then the technique he’s got, he’s so precise in his finishing, put him a lot of times in that situation and the outcome will be good."
Injury to David Raya
However, Arteta remained tight-lipped about the injury to first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, who did not feature against Girona. Brazilian Neto made his debut for the North London side in the absence of the Spain international.
Next Match
Arsenal will next host fourth-placed Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. Arteta’s side is second in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by six points having played a game more.
Conclusion
Ethan Nwaneri’s impressive performance has given Arsenal a boost in their Champions League campaign. With his aggressive style of play and precise finishing, he has proven to be a valuable asset to the team. As the club looks ahead to their next match against Manchester City, fans will be eager to see more of Nwaneri’s skills on display.
FAQs
- How old is Ethan Nwaneri?
Ethan Nwaneri is 17 years old. - When did he join Arsenal?
Ethan Nwaneri joined Arsenal at the age of eight. - How many goals did he score against Girona?
Ethan Nwaneri scored one goal against Girona in the 42nd minute.