Ethan Nwaneri was given a rare Premier League start in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but his night ended early as he was substituted in the 58th minute.
Nwaneri also attempted to impact the game during a corner kick sequence in the 45th minute, but his delivery alongside Martin Ødegaard failed to create a goal scoring chance. Arteta replaced him with Gabriel Martinelli in the 58th minute, opting for more attacking firepower after Manchester United took the lead through Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free kick in first half stoppage time.
Despite his early exit, Nwaneri’s inclusion in the starting XI highlights Arsenal’s belief in his potential as he continues his development at the highest level.
Arsenal eventually found an equalizer in the 74th minute through Declan Rice, a point that keeps them in the title race.
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Meanwhile, Chidi Obi, a former Arsenal academy player now at Manchester United, was an unused substitute against his former club. The Danish-Nigerian forward, who made his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur on February 16, was left on the bench for the entire match.
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Editorial
Ethan Nwaneri’s Premier League start against Manchester United is another step in his rapid rise at Arsenal. While his performance was not game-changing, his inclusion in such a crucial match speaks volumes about Arteta’s trust in his abilities.
The 17 year old midfielder, who continues to develop under Mikel Arteta, started on the right wing and had some bright moments in the first half. His best contribution came in the 21st minute when he delivered a cross into the box, although it was cleared by United’s defense.
For Arsenal, the title race remains tight, and they need their attacking players to be more clinical in decisive moments. Nwaneri has time to improve, but matches like these will be crucial for his growth and confidence at the senior level.
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Meanwhile, Chidi Obi’s absence from United’s lineup suggests he still has work to do to break into Erik ten Hag’s first-team plans. If he gets more opportunities, he could become a key attacking option for the Red Devils in the future.
Did You Know?
Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest player to have ever played in the Premier League, making his debut for Arsenal at 15 years and 181 days old.
Arsenal has been closely managing Nwaneri’s development, ensuring he gets first team exposure while still playing in youth competitions.
Chidi Obi, who was born in Denmark, is eligible to play for both Nigeria and Denmark at the international level.
Declan Rice’s equalizer against United keeps Arsenal in the hunt for the Premier League title, but they must improve their finishing to stay competitive.
Manchester United remains in a transitional phase under Erik ten Hag, with several young players including Obi trying to earn regular game time.