Nwaneri Shines As Arsenal Secure Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Spot With Victory Over Preston.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Ethan Nwaneri, suggesting the young midfielder has the potential to “dictate how fast” he becomes a first-team regular following his impressive performance in Arsenal’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston North End. The 17-year-old shone at Deepdale, scoring with a sublime first-half strike after Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring. Substitute Kai Havertz sealed the win with a goal in the second half, securing Arsenal’s place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Crystal Palace at home in mid-December.
Nwaneri, a product of Arsenal’s academy, continues to attract attention with his talent and composure on the ball. Known for becoming the youngest player to feature in a Premier League match at just 15 years and 181 days in September 2022, Nwaneri also hit the crossbar on Wednesday night and was warmly applauded by Arsenal’s travelling supporters when he was substituted late in the match.
“He’s a big talent with the right attitude, and he has the right players and environment around him,” Arteta remarked post-match. “It’s about building brick by brick, but we have some player here.” Arteta noted that Nwaneri’s confidence and work ethic have helped him develop rapidly, with performances like the one against Preston suggesting he may soon play a larger role in the squad. “He wants every ball, he wants to make things happen,” Arteta added, highlighting Nwaneri’s assertive personality and the trust he has gained among his team-mates.
Despite eight changes to the starting line-up, Arsenal maintained control throughout the game. Preston displayed resilience in defence but struggled to keep possession, which allowed Arsenal to dominate. The game also provided Arteta an opportunity to field future prospects, with 18-year-olds goalkeeper Tommy Setford and defender Ayden Heaven making their debuts.
