LONDON — Despite being only 18 years old, Ethan Nwaneri has had to be patient for his opportunity. Last season, he emerged as one of Arsenal‘s standout talents, but circumstances have complicated his chances to remain a fixture in the first team.
In this light, his crucial opening goal during Wednesday’s 2-0 victory against Brighton in the Carabao Cup served as an important reminder of his ability. The elegance of the goal was matched by the buildup: Mikel Merino flicked the ball beautifully to defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, who laid it off for Nwaneri, who then expertly finished with his first touch past Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele into the far corner.
This 57th-minute goal shifted the balance of the game in Arsenal’s favor. By the time substitute Bukayo Saka netted a second goal with 14 minutes left, Arsenal had secured their spot in the quarterfinals alongside a home tie against Crystal Palace.
It can be challenging for a young player like Nwaneri, who has experienced prominence, to adjust to being sidelined, especially after he performed so well last season. However, with Saka sidelined due to injury, Nwaneri was called upon to step up, starting eight out of 11 games from February to April as Saka recovered from a hamstring injury.
His impressive performances earned him a lucrative new five-year contract, but subsequent additions to the squad have introduced fierce competition for playing time. Arsenal brought in Noni Madueke as cover for Saka and Eberechi Eze for additional midfield depth. On Wednesday, Nwaneri’s return to the starting lineup—his only second this season—was overshadowed by the debut of another Hale End academy product, Max Dowman, who at just 15 years and 302 days old became the youngest player to start a match for Arsenal.
Dowman stood out during a tightly contested first half, leaving Brighton’s Diego Gómez and Maxim De Cuyper bewildered with his skill. The energy he brings to the pitch when he dribbles is difficult for anyone to replicate.
However, Nwaneri elicited similar excitement not long ago with his dynamic play. This match showcased his potential, marking his first goal since April with a beautifully executed finish reminiscent of his cutting runs from the right in previous matches.
“He was really good,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised. “He came on the other day as well [against Atletico Madrid]. He will have opportunities, and when he does, he needs to capitalize. I think he finished the goal really well.”
“He had some moments that weren’t effective, but I appreciated how he kept trying, taking risks, and maintaining the determination to make things happen. In the end, he was rewarded with a brilliant goal.”
This is what Arteta aims for during these matches: fringe players taking advantage of their moments to keep the positive energy flowing at the club. The victory marked Arsenal’s eighth straight win across all competitions and their 11th clean sheet in 14 games.
Arteta made 10 lineup changes, with only Eze retaining his spot. Naturally, this led to a somewhat disjointed performance, with Andre Harriman-Annous making his debut as the focal point of the attack.
Brighton had opportunities of their own, with Georginio Rutter and Stefanos Tzimas making critical misses, while Jan Paul van Hecke missed a golden chance, heading wide from close range, as Arsenal struggled with their usual defensive authority during set pieces.
Following Nwaneri’s opener, the Gunners raised their intensity, producing two goals from open play. After his goal, Harriman-Annous was sent through on goal; albeit denied by a save from Steele, the rebound fell kindly to Saka, who calmly finished.
Saka was substituted in for Dowman, who received a standing ovation. Arteta noted, “[He had] a tiny smile [when I told him he was playing]. That’s typical of him. For him, it all feels natural and right. It’s about playing with courage and determination. Today, he displayed incredible skill and the ability to take on Premier League defenders at just 15—something truly remarkable.”
“If you ask him, he definitely wants to play in the Premier League. We need to manage his development while being conscious of the changes happening in his life. It’s important to support him while also protecting him.”
“Whenever we need our academy players, they are ready to step up,” he added.
Nwaneri was among those at the Emirates Stadium working towards proving just that.