On Sunday, Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history when he came on as a late substitute for Arsenal in their 3-0 victory over Brentford.
After becoming the league’s youngest player ever at the age of 15 years and 181 days, his colleagues were not going to let this event pass without the attention it and he deserved.
Following his record-setting injury-time cameo, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale beckoned Nwaneri back as he left for the tunnel. Nwaneri was the first ever under-16 to play in the division.
With his arm over Nwaneri’s shoulder, Ramsdale escorted him to the section of Arsenal supporters so that, in addition to playing his first ever senior minutes, he could experience the plaudits they receive following a victory.
Then, an additional cheer erupted following Ramsdale, and then Gabriel Martinelli playfully nudged offensive midfielder Nwaneri forward so that he could be applauded by himself.
Nwaneri earned his opportunity after working with Arsenal’s first team on Saturday following a stellar start to the season with their academy, scoring four goals and assisting on five more in just 10 games, scoring four goals and assisting on five more.
He made his under-18s debut at age 14 against Reading in May 2021, and his under-21 debut considerably ahead of planned this month.
Mikel Arteta stated, “It was pure intuition.” When I met him and when I look at him, I felt this way. I was very impressed by what I observed.
Edu, along with Per Mertesacker and the academy personnel, are providing me with extremely useful knowledge. I’ve met him, and he’s trained with us a few times.
“Yesterday he had to come in due to injuries, most notably Martin Odegaard’s injury,” he said. “I had a hunch that if the opportunity presented itself, I would take it, and I did.”
I told him yesterday that he would be joining us because I want him to experience what it’s like to be in the hotel, prepare for the game, be among the boys, and be prepared.
If you intend to sit on the bench, you must be prepared. The boy has only to gaze into your eyes to be prepared. I simply responded, ‘Congratulations, and have fun!’ when he came on stage.
Nwaneri’s desire to participate during his little time on the field against Brentford was both natural and visible.
His one touch was heartily applauded by the away end, but his cameo was long enough for Arsenal fans to tease their Brentford rivals by chanting, “He’s got school in the morning.”
When Nwaneri, who was born after the Emirates opened in 2006 and must change in a different room from his adult teammates, entered the fray, a number of records fell.
He became the youngest Premier League player for Arsenal, breaking Jack Wilshere’s record of 16 years and 256 days, and the youngest player in any tournament.
Before Sunday, Cesc Fabregas made his debut with the first team at the age of 16 years and 177 days. Not terrible footprints for Nwaneri to follow.
Harvey Elliott made his Premier League debut with Fulham at the age of 16 years and 30 days, making him the youngest player in league history.
Nwaneri, a student at St John’s Prep and Senior school in Enfield, is the first player born in 2007 to appear in any of Europe’s top five leagues.
Arteta stated, “Every decision that we and I make is for the club.” It’s not for me, it’s not for the player; it’s because we believe he has a gift that must be honed to perfection over the next two or three years.
“We will determine how to handle the situation, but the boy will have the last say.” Typically, it is the players that inform and demand from you how far you can go on that.’
With Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool on Nwaneri’s tail, giving him a spot in the record books and a fast-tracked opportunity is a smart approach to show him what may be in store for him at Arsenal.
Arteta stated, “It conveys a powerful message about our club’s identity.” That we want to provide opportunities when there is talent, personality, and players that are so passionate about their sport and have no fear. The doors are open for them to investigate their options.