Ethan Nwaneri impressed in Arsenal’s win against Brentford

However, against Brentford, Arteta deployed Nwaneri in Saka’s role, operating as a left-footed right winger. And Arsenal looked far more consistent for it.

In the first half, Nwaneri and Martinelli took the fewest touches out of all the outfield players, but the teenager impressed with his short ball. He was the only player to complete all of his passes in that early period – 17 of 17.

It was a test to see if he could step up that level in the second half when Arsenal needed it. This was a test that a college-aged student passed with flying colors.

TNT Sports pundit Karen Carney said of Nwaneri, “He just makes me smile.” “She’s brave, she’s courageous – even for someone so young.

“For a young man he was excellent. He was positive and a joy to watch. I can’t believe how young he is – he would be a complete player for Arsenal.”

“With Saka not being available he’s definitely going to get opportunities,” said former Arsenal defender Martin Keown. “It’s all there under the bonnet waiting to come out.

“It’s really important that you have players in your group who are demonstrating the quality coming out of the academy.”

Arteta has handled Nwaneri with great care since giving him his debut, but he felt this was the time and place to give him the biggest highlight of his career so far.

“We had a 17-year-old player in the starting line-up who performed very well,” Arteta said in his post-match media conference. “I thought Ethan was the best player in that position to start the game. He also made his Premier League debut here, sometimes that feeling can help.

“It’s patience, managing frustration and expectation. We’re building that.”