Arsenal’s excellent start to the 2024/25 campaign continued on Saturday afternoon after a 3-1 victory over Southampton in the Premier League at the Emirates.
Despite falling behind, goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka allowed Mikel Arteta’s side to maintain their unbeaten start to the new term.
The Gunners have picked up where they left off in 2023/24, hoping to end their two-decade wait for a league triumph – but after two near misses in a row, could they finally go one better?
Undoubtedly, Arteta will be reliant upon star men like Saka, who, as demonstrated yesterday, is capable of single-handedly changing a game with his goal and two assists.
However, as the lengthy season progresses over the coming months, one player could receive an increase in first-team minutes – potentially building on his excellent start to life at the club.
Ethan Nwaneri’s recent emergence at Arsenal
Before the 2022/23 season, youngster Ethan Nwaneri would’ve been an unknown quantity to many, but two years on, he’s now one of the most exciting talents currently plying his trade in England’s top flight.
The midfielder made his debut back in September 2022 as a 15-year-old, making him the youngest Premier League player in the process – but it’s the 2024/25 season that has seen him flourish in Arteta’s side.
Nwaneri has made two substitute appearances in the league, making a huge impact from the bench against Leicester with his restricted minutes, but he showcased his talents more efficiently when given the opportunity from a starting role.
The academy graduate scored twice during the 5-1 victory over the League One outfit, taking full advantage of the club’s injury issues which have seen Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard spending time on the sidelines.
Sometimes you need that break in football to showcase your skills, with Nwaneri doing exactly that in recent weeks, giving Arteta a real decision to make about potentially including him from a starting role in the Premier League after the upcoming international break.
It could allow the boss to end the Arsenal career of one player who unfortunately has failed to make a huge impact since his big-money move to North London.
Nwaneri’s rise is bad news for £34m flop
Portuguese ace Fabio Vieira joined Arsenal in a £34m deal back in the summer of 2022, with high expectations placed on him due to his price tag.
