'I think': Mikel Arteta admits he has 'really bad news' about why he took Ethan Nwaneri off vs Brighton
01/05/2025 01:55 AM
Ethan Nwaneri proved to be one of Arsenal’s only bright spots in their latest 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mikel Arteta lauded Nwaneri after he played a key role in the Gunners’ recent 3-1 victory against Brentford.
Starting back-to-back Premier League games for Arsenal, the 17-year-old delivered by scoring the visitors’ opening goal at the Amex Arena.
Unfortunately for Ethan Nwaneri, his strike was eventually cancelled out by Joao Pedro, who scored from the penalty spot after being fouled by William Saliba inside the box as Arsenal dropped two more points.
But the youngster was substituted at half-time by Mikel Arteta, a decision that he has explained after the game.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have “lost” Ethan Nwaneri to injury after Brighton draw
Recently, Paul Merson claimed Nwaneri is an “amazing player” and a “massive talent”, as he continues to showcase that he can replace Bukayo Saka. Arteta’s claim about Nwaneri’s versatility seems to be bang on the money as he looked at ease out wide once again.
After Arsenal drew to Brighton, however, Mikel Arteta admitted that the teenager has suffered a muscular injury that could keep sidelined for a while, which is why he was substituted at half-time.
Arteta said via BBC Sport: “Really bad news because I think we’ve lost him, we had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues.”
After the Englishman was taken off at half-time, Gabriel Martinelli was shifted to the right-wing.
Thomas Partey hails Ethan Nwaneri despite Arsenal’s draw v Brighton
Thomas Partey was full of praise for Nwaneri despite Arsenal’s disappointing draw against Brighton.
Partey told the Gunners’ official in-house media: “He’s a very good player and we know the qualities he has, he’s working a lot and he’s improving and I’m really happy for him today for scoring.”
“It could have been better if we won today but we could not get the win. He needs to keep improving and all the best to him.”
Nwaneri will appreciate a senior player like Partey’s words and now shift his focus towards recovering from his latest setback.
