Mikel Arteta said 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is ready to make his mark on the Premier League after he scored twice in Arsenal’s 5-1 Carabao Cup victory against Bolton.
The highly-rated midfielder delivered on his first start for the Gunners after he struck in both halves, with Declan Rice, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz also on target.
Nwaneri was just 15 when Arteta made him the Premier League’s youngest player as a late substitute at Brentford two years ago.
However, Wednesday’s fixture – which also saw 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter become Arsenal’s youngest ever starter – marked just his fourth senior appearance.
But when asked if Nwaneri, who came off the bench in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Tottenham earlier this month, could be used more regularly in his side’s title bid, Arteta said: “Let’s go. It is another step. He is ahead of what anybody could expect.
“You can tell he is playing with a confidence and belief and an understanding of what he needs to do on the pitch.
“In his journey with the first team he is always ahead of what everybody expected and I expected, too. He deserves that and he is part of us so he will have the minutes.”
Arteta handed starts to four academy players, with Myles Lewis-Skelly (17) – who played a part in Nwaneri’s first-half strike following a fine through-ball to Sterling – Josh Nichols (18) and Porter all blooded at the Emirates Stadium.
Porter’s inclusion, with David Raya injured and a doubt for the next league match against Leicester, and Neto cup-tied, was the most significant after he surpassed Cesc Fabregas as Arsenal’s youngest player to start a match, aged 16 years and 77 days.
“We told him yesterday and he was over the moon,” said Arteta.
“He spoke straightaway to his family and they were not prepared for that.
“It is a big step, a big occasion for them and I think they were nervous about it. But he reacted really well, he was really composed in training and his team-mates helped him, too. What an experience and what a way to break a record.”
On a positive night for Arteta, on-loan Chelsea forward Sterling also broke his duck when he scored shortly after the hour mark.
“It was very good performance by Raheem,” continued Arteta.
“He is getting better and better and you can tell physically he is making steps. He was involved in a few goals so it was a very strong night for him.”
Prior to Rice’s opener in the 16th minute, Bolton wanted a penalty when Josh Sheehan claimed he was bundled over by Gabriel Jesus. Referee Josh Smith waved away their appeals, and less than 60 seconds later, Arsenal were in the lead.
“Two or three of their goals were self inflicted which is disappointing, and we should have had a penalty,” said Bolton boss Ian Evatt.
“If that would have made a difference, I don’t know, but what is right is right. Arsenal had two big moments in the first half and they scored and that was the difference.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. When Gerrard meet "Pong Kapol" The legend On this day / Do you remember this goal? Jack Grealish left out of Man City's Club World Cup squad JUST APPRECIATE THE GOATNESS The GREATEST SUPER SUB of All Time is.. Cristiano Ronaldo at 40 vs Wayne Rooney at 38… Only in India Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoon...
Arsenal want to sign a new left winger this summer, but their chances of signing one of their desired targets could be slipping away after recent developments.Mikel Arteta wants a striker and left winger to revitalise his attack ahead of the 2025-26 season, and while there has been much focus on the former, there is just as much desire to sign someone to compete with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro...
Aston Villa want to keep Morgan RogerAston Villa could be in store for a tricky summer because of PSR issues, and there are chances for important players to be sold. But at this stage, there are zero plans to consider any offers for their standout performer from the 2024-25 season.In recent weeks, a number of Aston Villa players have been linked with moves – especially to clubs in the Premie...
Manchester United are rumoured to have rekindled their interest in Napoli's Victor Osimhen but still face a major obstacle.Nigerian striker's loan with Galatasary endedPrevious reports suggest Al-Hilal agreementLofty wages could block United approachWHAT HAPPENED?A report by Footmercato has linked the Red Devils with a sensational move for the Nigerian striker. United have opened discussions with ...
Barcelona hold talks with Williams as Yamal teases link-upBarcelona sporting director Deco reportedly met up with Nico Williams' agent in a bid to reignite their interest in the Athletic Club winger.Barcelona have reopened talks with Williams' camp, including his agent Felix Tainta, per Spanish publication Sport, with Deco leading efforts to lure the 22-year-old away from Athletic Club. The Spanis...
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brentford FC - Premier LeagueManchester United target Bryan Mbeumo's was the Premier League's most clinical goalscorer in the 2024-25 season according to xG.West Ham United FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?An analysis of the Premier League's xG data by Grosvenor Sport reveals Mbuemo's tally of 20 league goals came from chances that should have ge...
A fascinating transfer battle is emerging for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo (Image: Getty)Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a £70million bid to outmuscle Manchester United for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.The offer from the north London club is said to be worth £65million plus an additional £5million in add-ons, which is £10million more than what United offered.As report...
Matheus Cunha isn't a natural striker. (Image: Getty)Manchester United started their mammoth summer rebuild by completing the £62.5million signing of Matheus Cunha on Thursday. Ruben Amorim is significantly upgrading his attack with the 26-year-old's arrival, and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo should have the same impact if he follows suit.However, neither player will address arguably the big...
HERZOGENAURACH, GERMANY - JUNE 03: Florian Wirtz of Germany looks on during a team Germany training session at Herzo-Base on June 03, 2025 in Herzogenaurach, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) (Image: Alexander Hassenstein, Getty Images)Liverpool are set to break the British transfer record by signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a staggering £116m.After a deal ...
Referees will wear eye-level cameras at the Club World Cup (Image: The Associated Press)Referees at the Club World Cup are set to wear eye-level cameras, offering fans a unique glimpse into the on-pitch action. Well... not quite. FIFA has unveiled plans to roll out this tech at the expanded tournament starting in Miami on Saturday. However, it seems the move is geared more towards spicing up TV br...
- 1 Portugal vs France Prediction 12 June 2025
- 2 Bryan Mbeumo 'picks between Man Utd and Tottenham' as transfer agreement struck
- 3 England player ratings vs Andorra: Cole Palmer disappoints as Kane bails out Tuchel
- 4 Bayer Leverkusen interested in shock move for Jack Grealish
- 5 Brazil vs Paraguay Prediction 11 June 2025
- 6 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 7 Harvey Elliott opens door to Liverpool exit
- 8 Bonnie Blue banned from adult site as controversial stunt 'crossed the line'
- 9 Transfer news: Jadon Sancho announces move as Liverpool confirm deal
- 10 Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk opens up on retirement plans