Online Reporter
ETHAN NWANERI had an afternoon to remember for Arsenal as he followed in the footsteps of Premier League legends Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Cesc Fabregas.
The 17-year-old stole the show as his Gunners side beat Leicester 2-0 on Saturday despite being left depleted in attack.
Nwaneri provided an assist as Mikel Merino came off the bench to bag a brace at the King Power Stadium.
And the teen’s performance was backed up by several stats showing that he was one of the key men on the pitch.
In the first half alone, Arsenal prodigy Nwaneri enjoyed five out of five successful take-ons.
He also won all eight of his duels and even won two tackles to boot.
By the end of the match, Nwaneri had made three successful tackles and had won 12 duels, while also dictating play with 32 passes from 62 touches.
He was also a threat in the final third with four shots and six dribbles.
And his assist was the ideal reward for a strong day at the office.
However, Nwaneri’s goal contribution also saw him join an esteemed group of Premier League icons.
He has now scored or assisted four Premier League goals before the age of 18.
And only top-flight icons Rooney, Owen and Fabregas managed more before they turned 18. Wazza bagged an incredible 12 combined goals and assists during his time at Everton. Owen made eight contributions while at Liverpool.
And Fabregas was involved with six goals early on at Arsenal.
Nwaneri does not turn 18 years old until March 21. It means he could yet surpass Fabregas’ total, with Owen’s and Rooney’s also sure to be in his sights.
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised match-winner Mikel Merino for his ability to sense danger in the opponent’s box.
The visitors, missing forwards Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, who are all long-term injury absentees, looked toothless at times in the first half against their relegation-threatened hosts, before Merino came off the bench to win them the game.
“Today was a day to make a statement after all the questions that had been raised around the injuries,” Arteta told TNT.
“They were two very different halves, in the first we lacked urgency and were very inconsistent. The second half we picked it up and won the game.”
Arteta spoke to Merino only hours before the game about coming off the bench as a striker, but was non-committal over whether it would be an experiment he repeats.
“At that moment they (Leicester) were defending a little bit deep and we were more set in the final third,” Arteta said. “We thought he (Merino) could deliver those moments. It is easier said than done, but he was excellent.
“Mikel has never played as a nine (striker), but he has that anticipation. He can smell danger and he can execute.
“Let’s see (if he plays there again), we will analyse this one and go on to the next one.”
Arteta is relieved his side were able to close the gap on Liverpool and said they will keep pushing for the league title as long as they are mathematically still in the race. — Sun/Reuters.
