Business resumed as usual for Arsenal yesterday as they returned to the winning ways in which they have become so familiar with this season. Despite being tasked with a tough away trip to Brentford, the Gunners came out 3-0 winners in comfortable and convincing fashion during what was a very special day for Ethan Nwaneri, in particular.
The 15-year-old became the youngest player in Premier League history when he came on as a substitute in the dying moments of the match. His introduction from the bench saw him overtake Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, who previously held the record at 16 years and 30 days when he played for Fulham back in 2019.
Nwaneri's Arsenal cameo is the latest reminder of not only the club's commitment to providing opportunities to some of the most promising young talents coming through the ranks of the Hale End academy but the immense quality that so many of them possess in the very early stages of their career.
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Mikel Arteta emphasised this after the match and explained how he felt it was only right to hand Nwaneri his debut after the youngster impressed in training. "He has trained a couple of times with us and I had a feeling yesterday that if the opportunity came I would do it," he said. "I think it sends a strong message about who we are as a club. I told him yesterday he would be with us and he had to be ready. He is ready. When he went on I said: 'Congratulations and enjoy it.'
"We want to give opportunities. When there is talent and personality and when players love what they do, and when they have no fear, the doors are open for them to explore where they can go."
Whether or not Nwaneri receives more game time with the first team again in the near future remains to be seen, but this breakthrough in his career will remind many of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and most recently Charlie Patino's emergence at senior level.
All three players are now amongst some of the hottest footballing prospects in the country and even the world, particularly in Saka's case. The message that Nwaneri's debut sends to the rest of the Arsenal academy is clear - if you have the right talent, attitude and levels of commitment, Arteta and academy manager Per Mertesacker will ensure you have a shot at emulating past and present stars of the club.
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What Gabriel Jesus told Bukayo Saka to do vs Brentford to warrant 'phenomenal' Arsenal praise
Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Bukayo Saka as Ethan Nwaneri's next Arsenal steps are revealed
How Ben White reacted to Fabio Vieira's 'lucky' first Arsenal goal after £34m summer transfer
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