Why Arsenal wonderkid may well have proven the answer to filling the gaping Martin Odegaard hole

Why Arsenal wonderkid may well have proven the answer to filling the gaping Martin Odegaard hole

Stephen Awino 10:30 - 29.09.2024

Amidst an injury crisis and the thinnest squad in the league, Arsenal have found the answer to their midfield problems in the talented teenager in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri has impressed in midweek's Carabao cup clash Bolton and a cameo in Saturday's victory over Leicester.

The Gunners who have been without captain Martin Odegaard and summer signing Mikel Merino who is yet to kick a ball could well have found the answer to their midfield problems in Nawaneri as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on the 17-year old.

With the thinnest squad in the Premier League Arsenal found themselves amidst an injury crisis when Odegaard went down with an ankle issue on international duty in Norway's UEFA Nations League clash with Austria.

To add to their woes, Arsenal's latest addition to their ranks Mikel Merino sustained a shoulder injury, leaving the Gunners thin in midfield.

Nwaneri has appeared for the Arsenal in glimpises but it was on Wednesday against Bolton that the teenager really made his mark with a brace.

The Hale End graduate came on for Arsenal in Saturday's clash against Leicester when the Gunners were drawing the game 2-2 as they went on to win the game 4-2.

Nwaneri's cameo perfomance earned him praise from Mikel Arteta, hinting that the youngster was ready for a start.

“He came on and immediately beat one, two, three players. I just love it. If you want to play here you need to play with that courage”, said Arteta in the post match conference.

With Odegaard's return yet to be confirmed and Meino just back in training, Nwaneri could step up for Arsenal in upcoming crucial Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, October 1st.