Ethan Nwaneri has been in fine form, and Arsenal have been fortunate to have him as an attacking option. The young talent has emerged at a crucial time for the Gunners, providing much-needed depth as the squad battles injuries. His development could not have come at a better moment, as several key players in Arsenal’s frontline have been sidelined, forcing Mikel Arteta to rely on a smaller group of attackers.
The likes of Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have featured heavily in recent weeks, with little opportunity for rest. Arsenal had been widely expected to strengthen their attack in the January transfer window, but the club ultimately did not sign any new forwards. As a result, Arteta has been unable to rotate his attacking options as much as he would have liked.
Despite this, the emergence of both Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly has provided a refreshing boost for the squad. Nwaneri, in particular, has stepped up in Bukayo Saka’s absence, demonstrating impressive composure and technical ability. His knack for scoring goals has led to speculation that he could potentially be used as a central striker, allowing Havertz to rest during a demanding run of fixtures.

The question remains, however, whether Arteta and his coaching staff have considered deploying Nwaneri as a number nine. When asked about this possibility, the Arsenal manager gave an insight into his approach to squad flexibility. Speaking to Football London, he said:
“We’re going to have to be very flexible in the front line. The ones that stay fit, that they can deliver. Leo has played that position, Raheem has played that position.”
It has been a challenging few weeks for Arsenal, with injuries limiting their tactical options. If the situation demands that Nwaneri plays as a central striker, the expectation is that he will embrace the role and continue his development in the first team. Given his rapid progress, his adaptability could prove invaluable for the remainder of the season.
A big yes
His shooting is exceptional.
He averages a goal every 93 minutes.
It makes sense
NO.
No
I think this is a big possibility.Remember Benny will be back in 2 weeks time when his right back position is almost nailed down by Timber and Timbers left back is gone to Skelly and Calafiori….Benny may be pushed up to right wing so that Nwaneri goes central especially due to his efficiency.
Arsenal creates many chances the problem is someone to convert them which Nwaneri seems to be doing effortlessly.
Arteta has previously hinted that Ethan could be used as a striker, although we’ve only seen him in more creative roles so far. It might work, and is worth a try, but I think he’s more suited to number ten or other midfield positions.
I prefer Arteta try Nathan Butler as a second striker…..he is the U23 striker and May be a better option at that position at the moment. I feel Nwaneri is better at the wings or central midfield with more space to operate.
For what it’s worth I think our starting front three against Newcastle should comprise Nwaneri, Trossard and Sterling with Martinelli and Havertz on the bench.The Newcastle back four are vulnerable and unsuited to playing a high line and with a 2 goal lead I expect them to sit deep, at least in the early stages.Trossard is a good finisher who can find spaces in their box and I think he could be a key player tonight.
Sterling is too lazy. The way we play is too fast for him
No!!!!
Sorry, not a reply to Grandad. A reply to the Article.
Nwaneri has done very well as a 9 before but I’m a little skeptical because it looks like he likes driving in from a distance and causing chaos. Arteta should know better.
I think Nwaneri offers more playing on that right wing, replicating Saka’s style of play.
I wouldn’t tinker too much, especially after a performance like the one against City.
I’d like to see how Nwaneri performs as a striker, and perhaps tonight, a game that doesn’t really mean that much to our supporters, would be a good opportunity.
Has anyone seen him head a ball yet?
Would mean allot if we get to final
Can’t put our nose up to trophy
How about Trossard play striker, he’s done it before and been productive more times then not. Nwanarei can play on the wing.
Then again, we could just tinker and play Nwanarei as a striker, why not.
Partey at RB, Havertz in midfield, Nwanarei as striker, sure why not.
Still not as mad as moving Partey to RB so he can force Havertz or Merino into the midfield; that was genius level stuff there.
I mean who would guess we would move our best midfielder this year to RB.