Arsenal icon slams mixed signals as Nwaneri impresses with breakthrough goal

Published on 24 Nov 2024 at 09:00 by Godfred Budu

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has raised eyebrows with his comments on the handling of Ethan Nwaneri's breakthrough performance for the club.

The 17-year-old netted his maiden Premier League goal in his sixth appearance, contributing to Arsenal's dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

While praising the young forward's stunning goal and bright future, Petit questioned the message sent to more senior players who struggled to make an impact during the match.

Petit criticises Arsenal's treatment of Jesus amid Nwaneri's breakthrough

Speaking on Premier League Productions, as reported by Just Arsenal, Petit raised concerns over Arsenal's treatment of senior players like Gabriel Jesus, following Nwaneri’s breakthrough performance.

“It sends a bad message to Gabriel Jesus, who was on the pitch for at least an hour. After ten minutes, Nwaneri scored a goal. He is a promising young guy with a bright future, and I hope he gets more time to play,” the 1998 FIFA World Cup winner said.

Nwaneri announced himself to the football world as a 15-year-old prodigy when Arteta handed him his Arsenal debut against Brentford in 2022. At just 15 years and 181 days old, he set a record as the youngest player to ever feature in a Premier League match, coming on as a substitute for Fabio Vieira.

The youngster has featured in nine matches across all competitions, scoring four goals, including an impressive brace against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup, while averaging 19 minutes per game.

Petit featured for the North London giants between 1997 and 2000, making 118 appearances and scoring 11 goals. He won the Premier League, FA Cup, and FA Charity Shield in that period.

Godfred Budu

Godfred Budu is a Ghanaian sports journalist with over a decade of experience, offering a dynamic perspective on African football, particularly Nigerian football. A dedicated follower of Enyimba United, he has developed a deep understanding of the Nigerian football scene.

Godfred has contributed to prominent platforms such as Kickgh.com and Inkandkicks.com, where his insightful commentary and in-depth analysis of both Ghanaian and Nigerian football have earned him recognition.
Known for his passion for storytelling and commitment to accuracy, he has become a trusted authority in sports journalism, captivating audiences with his engaging narratives and expert insights into the African football landscape.

Holding a degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana, Godfred’s work continues to resonate with fans of both Ghanaian and Nigerian football, where his expertise stands out.