Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised the growing character of Ethan Nwaneri after he starred in the Gunners’ 3-0 EFL Cup win at Preston North End on Wednesday, Afrosport reports.
The 17-year-old English attacker of Nigerian heritage started the game and scored the second goal in between strikes from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
It was the third senior Arsenal goal for Nwaneri after he netted a brace in the 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in the previous round.
“So much personality there, he wants every ball, he wants to make things happen. Outside and around he’s still a bit quiet as usual, he’s 17 years old, very respectful, his work ethic is tremendous and he loves what he does, you can tell that, Arteta told the club website.
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Regarding the skill and technique Nwaneri used in scoring his goal, Arteta said: “It’s unbelievable but he does it in training almost every day, he’s got this quality, this personality, he’s there to make things happen, he doesn’t care who he’s got around him, he needs to make the decision for himself, he does it and he scored a fantastic goal.”
Arsenal will now turn their attention to Saturday’s Premier League early kickoff at Newcastle United before facing Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League next Wednesday followed a league clash with London rivals Chelsea.