Bukayo Saka’s return from injury is undoubtedly excellent news for Arsenal, strengthening the team as they approach the decisive stages of the season. However, on an individual level, this development may not be as positive for Ethan Nwaneri, who has impressed in recent months.
Following the unsuccessful experiment of using Raheem Sterling on the right wing, Mikel Arteta turned to Nwaneri as a solution, and the youngster has made the most of his opportunity. His performances have been commendable, and even with Saka’s return against Fulham, Nwaneri managed to make an impact by providing an assist.
Despite his recent form, it is almost inconceivable that Arsenal would bench Saka in favour of Nwaneri. The England international is a key player for the Gunners, and his goal against Fulham served as a timely reminder of his importance to the team. His presence on the pitch is vital, particularly in crucial fixtures, and Arsenal will rely on him heavily in the coming weeks.
While Saka’s return is a boost for the team, it does create a dilemma for Arteta regarding Nwaneri’s role in the squad. Given his recent performances, it would seem unfair for him to be relegated to a bench role for the remainder of the season. He has been too impressive to be used sparingly, and Arteta should strongly consider finding an alternative starting position for him, potentially in midfield.
However, incorporating Nwaneri into the starting XI without displacing an established player presents a tactical challenge. Arsenal would likely need to adjust their formation to accommodate an additional midfielder, which could disrupt the team’s existing balance. Given the importance of maintaining stability during this crucial phase of the campaign, such a change may not be immediately feasible.
It would be unfortunate if Nwaneri’s playing time were significantly reduced due to Saka’s return, considering how well he has performed. While squad depth is essential, finding a way to keep both players involved without compromising the team’s structure will be a difficult but necessary task for Arteta.
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The manager must demonstrate his ability to manage these young lads who are clearly the future of the club. They are competent to help us win games. It’s the manager’s lack of flexibility that led the club to losing Biereth and Heaven. Biereth in particular had shown consistency in scoring from Fulham to Arsenal, Ireland and Austria. How on earth could they doubt his ability to grow into a lethal striker.
Why does the manager keep playing the same players over and over? The 2 lads provide good options for rotation of the squad. Essentially, they are midfielders and are now both playing out of position. Therefore, it’s not difficult to play them as viable options in the midfield.
Scoring goals for Motherwell and Sturm Graz doesnt translate to premier league success. Furthermore he gets benched by Hojlund for the national side which says quite alot if im being honest. Furthermore Pepe had crazy numbers in France and so does Lacazette currently .
No, certainly not this season imo.
So he will bench Odegaard in the middle right ?
If only had the gaffer started playing this kid from Southampton came to Emirates, the conversation now would be completely different.
Let’s not get carried away lol
Gunsmoke you have to consider that we are talking about someone who was 17 at the time. Playing too many minutes would not be good for him long term.You remember the fella called Wilshere? We don’t want that,do we? The young man has to be managed carefully.
Think it was more of a trust issue as opposed to saving the kid, the gaffer has to learn to trust his kids more.
As a direct result we over played Saka.
I remembered asking if the gaffer was waiting on a telephone call from God to start playing the kid and was taken to the cleaners for asking
Am afraid, man management is not the gaffer strongest trait
You are trying to drive a narrative that is really not credible. It was Arteta who put Nwaneri in the first team so what kind of trust issue are you talking about. Given Saka’s consistency over the last few years (and Nwaneri’s age and experience) it was not unreasonable to ease Nwaneri in.
We have seen Nwaneri’s performances fluctuate which would be normal for such a young player. So it was quite appropriate to be cautious. He has had more playing time than would have been expected as a result of injury.
It is quite silly to be insisting that Nwaneri’s limited playing time was directly related to Saka’s injury. Saka’s game minutes during the last few years have been related to overall squad depth which has not been at the same level as some other top teams.
An additional consideration is the management of Nwaneri’s minutes as even he has been out due to injury this season. He needs to be managed carefully.
Gunsmoke,do you know any other Premier League side that is regularly starting 17 year olds? The answer is none, yet I’m sure all these clubs have talented teenagers. Does it mean that all Premier League managers don’t trust these teenagers? Not even the talented Chido Obi Martin, who was banging loads of goals for our academy is starting for Man United,despite the struggling of their forwards.
Maybe,just maybe,there is something these managers understand about managing youngsters that you don’t. Nwaneri should be built brick by brick just like Arteta said. If he became a regular he’d inevitably have bad games and it is the same fans who want him to start that will be first to tear him apart on the internet,damaging his confidence even before his career starts. Let’s not put undue pressure on the young lad.
Keep Nwaneri in the side, utilise Saka either instead of him at RW or up front instead of Merino. Hard to leave Merino out given how well he’s scoring but Saka is our best player, he’s great at holding the ball up and pops up in the box to score at the right time.
Solution is obvious guys
Nwaneri as no 10
Odegard 8
Rice 4 (it’ll be awesome 👌
Partey and jorghino will be backup plus partey can play RB if need be
Rather silly proposal – too soon for both of them!.
Against Fulham recently, both he and Skelley were knocked off the ball when in close contact with Fulham players.
I think they both need some time in the gym to be ready for next season!
Remember when Skelly played for England it was against very ordinary opposition.
He will face much tougher teams in the Prem!!
Nwaneri subs in for Martinelli or whoever.
Plenty of playing time to make things happen against tired legs.dudes what 17?
He doesn’t have to start.
Our luck someone gets injured.boom he’s starting again
Using Nwaneri sparingly is exactly what needs to happen, for his own good and the good of the team. Lots of times this season we’ve seen Nwaneri limping as he’s subbed off due to cramping. We’ve also seen him fade away a bit in second halves whenever he starts. All this shows that his body is not ready yet for 90 minutes of football.
Overplaying a youngster like him can cause problems down the line. Starting the occasional game is fine but there’s nothing wrong with a teenager starting from the bench-most greats were in the same position at that age. Some will say, but what about Myles? I think Myles is different. He may be 18 but he has the physique of a seasoned player already and that’s probably down to genetics.
👍
Out of context, whats the cancelled nuts in the arsenal logo of JustArsenal website signifying?
We are nuts for supporting this perennial nearly-men team with constant heartbreaks?
Or we are a collection of nuts on this forum?
I think they’re spuds, referencing Sp*rs fans..
Onyango, you really should be a manager. Great insights and knowledge of the game once again.
Bruised Banana I’m flattered,but I’d rather just stick to a fan who enjoys watching and analysing the game. Lord knows I can’t handle the pressure managers deal with; I don’t envy them at all.
The lad is eighteen, it will not matter of he is on the bench and used as back up for a while. He will still get enough games.
He has already started 13 games this season and made 17 sub appearances, decent stats for his first season.
With Saka back, another offensive weapon. Remember some weeks back, we were crying of lack of offensive power when we were not scoring goals. Nwaneri has been decent. He will definitely play a part in the run- in till the end of the season. The Gaffer I believe will know how to integrate him when necessary.
Odegaard has been very average this season. Last game he did nothing notable. His place should be up for grabs.