Mikel Arteta makes exciting Ethan Nwaneri admission after Bolton brace
Mikel Arteta has confessed Ethan Nwaneri has exceeded expectations at this early stage in his career after scoring a brace in their Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old helped his side cruise to victory at the Emirates in their midweek clash, making his second appearance for the first team this season. He played all 90 minutes, netting a goal just before and then just after the break.
The youngster’s start in Arteta’s squad came less than two weeks after he was brought on in the final stages of Arsenal’s north London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur on September 15, during which he impressed with his levels of composure and maturity.
„I think it was a really strong performance for him,“ the Gunners boss told reporters. „I think he really feels part of us. You can tell that he’s playing with that confidence, that belief and the understanding of what he needs to do on the pitch. So, very impressed.
„It’s another step, I think it’s ahead of what anyone could have expected, in his journey with the first-team he’s always ahead of what anyone expected and what I expected as well. He’s part of us so he will have the minutes.“
The Hale End graduate shared his ’surreal‘ feelings after scoring two of Arsenal’s five goals against Bolton.
„I’m so happy to have helped the team go through to the next round and just ready for whatever’s next,“ he said. „It’s a great feeling when the club you love, the club you’ve grown up with the fans are chanting.
„So yeah, it’s a good feeling. It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy, just want more of it. All of those players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together, it’s a crazy feeling. You know, it’s good.“