Ethan Nwaneri’s goal at just 17 years old is impressive, though Mikel Arteta seems unfazed.
“He did it in training yesterday, so we’re getting used to it,” Arteta said after the match.
The 5,600 Arsenal fans are thrilled to see Nwaneri making an impact. With just two starts under his belt, he’s already earned a chant. As the youngest player to score in both of his first two games, his recognition is well-deserved.
Remarkably, Nwaneri has already outscored Thierry Henry in the League Cup. The question remains: can he add Premier League goals to his record?
“He’s going to determine how that goes,” Arteta noted. “He’s a huge talent with the right mindset and support around him, and we need to build his development step by step. We’ve got a special player there!”
However, Nwaneri did experience cramp late in the game, which could hinder his chances of starting regularly. Arsenal is cautious not to overwork him, especially given past injuries to talents like Jack Wilshere.
Senior players are also helping him navigate the games. In a crowded Deepdale, Mikel Merino could be heard directing Nwaneri on positioning during throw-ins. For now, though, things are looking promising for the young player, and he’ll aim to maintain this momentum.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus finally scored again after a lengthy drought—his last goal coming when Rishi Sunak was Prime Minister and before Nwaneri signed a professional contract. He struck with the urgency of someone desperate to end a scoring slump, powerfully finishing a knockdown from Jakub Kiwior.
