Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised the performance of Ethan Nwaneri in the 5-1 EFL Cup third round win over Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday, Afrosport reports.
The 17-year-old of Nigerian heritage scored a brace which marked the first time he found the back of the net for the North London outfit.
It was only the fourth senior appearance for Nwaneri and Arteta is happy with how he has been improving.
“He’s improving daily,” Mikel told the club website. “They really respect him. You can tell he’s playing without pressure, with confidence, with a way of making decisions that tells you that the boy is ready at this level. He had a really strong performance and I’m happy to see that.
“A lot of positives to take from it, first of all the performance and then the way we scored the goals. We gave minutes, deserved minutes to a lot of first team players that needed them. As well we had obviously very important debuts as well that make us really proud.”
Nwaneri reflecting on scoring a brace said: “I’m buzzing. I’m so happy to have helped the team go through to the next round and just ready for whatever’s next.
“It’s a great feeling when the club you love, the club you’ve grown up with the fans are chanting that,” he said. “So yeah, it’s a good feeling.
“It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy… just want more of it.
“All them players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together, it’s a crazy feeling. You know, it’s good.”
💬 “It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy… I just want more of it.”
Nwaneri reflects on a perfect night 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 25, 2024
Nwaneri has been in every Arsenal matchday squad this season but has been an unused substitute five times.
He has been capped for England at U-19 level and is eligible to play for the England senior team or the Super Eagles of Nigeria by virtue of his parents origin.
