"Might be the perfect night for him" - Martin Keown wants Arsenal teenager to start against PSG in UCL clash
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown is hoping that Mikel Arteta will include academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri in the starting XI against Paris Saint-Germain. The two sides will face off in the UEFA Champions League clash at the Emirates today (October 1).
Keown recalled Arsenal’s last match, where Nwaneri came in as a substitute and impressed. He, thus, believes that he deserves to be named in the starting lineup against the Ligue 1 giants.
Nwaneri put himself on the list of players who are widely considered promising youngsters. He put in an incredible display on his senior debut start for the Gunners against Bolton Wanderers. The 17-year-old teenager scored two goals as the Gunners walloped Bolton 5-1 in the third round of the Carabao Cup. He was consequently showered with praise from fans after the match.
Ahead of Arsenal's Champions League match against PSG, Martin Keown offered his opinion about Nwaneri getting some minutes in the contest. The pundit said the Hale End graduate was amazing in his last two games against Bolton and Leicester and deserves to be named in the starting XI. He told TNT Sports:
"What was interesting was when Nwaneri came on, I think he demonstrated that he should've been on sooner. We've now got a very big game coming up against PSG... I'm wondering whether the youngster gets a start in that.
"Based on what he's done over their last two matches, I think he looked really assured, composed and he looked classy in the midweek cup tie. You look and think at the opposition and get some context, but when he came off the bench, I thought he lifted the level.
He added:
"Within seconds [of coming on], he's shooting and testing the goalkeeper and very nearly scores from there. I think it's an interesting one and I think the thrust he has - he's in a hurry to make things happen. PSG might be the perfect night for him, but even if he doesn't start the game, he's shown now he deserves to come on in the game."
Meanwhile, Arteta has said Nwaneri is ready to feature in Arsenal’s upcoming matches after his display against Bolton. So, it remains to be seen if he will be named in the starting lineup or not.
Ethan Nwaneri could set record in Arsenal clash with PSG
Ethan Nwaneri could etch his name into the club’s history in the features for the Gunners tonight. Prior to now, Nwaneri had already set a record at the Emirates. He is the youngest-ever Arsenal player and the youngest player to play in the Premier League (15 years, 181 days). He made his senior debut against Brentford in 2022.
As Mikel Arteta’s men host Luis Enrique’s men at the Emirates tonight, the 17-year-old could break a 20-year-old record. He could become the youngest Arsenal player to start a Champions League match in two decades if he features in the clash.
If Nwaneri is included in Arteta’s starting XI, he will break the record held by former midfielder Cesc Fabregas. In 2004, Fabregas made his UCL debut for the Gunners at just 17 years, five months, and 16 days. He started in a 2-2 draw against Panathinaikos FC in the group stage.