Ethan Nwaneri: 'Brave, bold' Arsenal youngster 'will get more chances' in Bukayo Saka absence as he stars v Brentford

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Ethan Nwaneri made his first Premier League start for Arsenal on Wednesday, who had to overturn an early Bryan Mbeumo goal to beat Brentford 3-1 and close the gap on leaders Liverpool. The 17-year-old was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and impressed TNT Sports' panel in his landmark game, as well as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Nwaneri will be an 'absolute player' for Arsenal – Carney and Keown salute teen sensation

Video credit: TNT Sports

Ethan Nwaneri will get more chances to feature for Arsenal in Bukayo Saka's absence, believes Martin Keown, as the 17-year-old starred in helping his side come from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 on Wednesday.

Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli were all on target as Mikel Arteta's side extended their unbeaten run against fellow London clubs to move into second place in the Premier League.

With Saka set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after surgery on a hamstring injury picked up against Crystal Palace, there has been lots of talk over whether Arsenal will dip into the transfer market for a replacement as they bid to keep up with runaway league leaders Liverpool.

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Milan make contact with Arsenal over Nwaneri - Euro Transfer News

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But the answer could be right under Arteta's nose, as The Gunners' boss replaced one Hale End academy graduate with another, giving 17-year-old Nwaneri the nod for his first league start at the same ground he made his record-breaking debut in 2022 at just 15 years old.

"He just makes me smile," Karen Carney told TNT Sports, as she reflected on the best of Nwaneri's impressive outing.

"He's brave, he's bold. For someone so young as well."

Highlights: Jesus and Martinelli star as Arsenal go second

Video credit: TNT Sports

Nwaneri starred in the absence of Saka in what was only his 13th Premier League appearance, where he created two chances and completed 92% of his passes in a lively performance on the right flank.

"For a young man, I thought he was outstanding. He was positive and he's just a joy to watch. I can't believe how young he is. He will be an absolute player for Arsenal."

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown also sang the teenager's praises, and credited the club for continuing to produce promising talent from the academy.

"There's a whole lot more to come," he said.

"He's definitely going to get those chances with Saka not being available. He's been using him regularly with Odegaard, bringing him off in games.

"We saw there, under the bonnet, ready to come out. A really exciting prospect for Arsenal.

"Another kid out of the academy. [Myles] Lewis-Skelly as well, another one playing a part again tonight. It's really important you have those players in the team, in the group, demonstrating the quality coming through the academy."