Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the outstanding performance of 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who scored a stunning goal in Arsenal’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Preston North End. Nwaneri, a rising star from Arsenal’s academy, impressed with his first-half goal, curling a precise shot into the net after Gabriel Jesus had opened the scoring. Substitute Kai Havertz capped the night with a third goal after the break, securing Arsenal’s spot in the quarter-finals where they will face Crystal Palace at the Emirates in mid-December.
Reflecting on Nwaneri’s progress, Arteta noted that the young midfielder has the “right attitude” and “big talent” to succeed, while cautioning that the club would continue to guide his development carefully. “He’s going to really dictate how fast that’s going to go,” Arteta said. “There’s so much personality there. He wants every ball, he wants to make things happen.” The teenager, who became the youngest player to debut in the Premier League in 2022 at 15 years old, has already made four league appearances as a substitute this season.
The match was another step in Nwaneri’s rapid ascent, as he not only scored but also struck the crossbar, drawing admiration from Arsenal fans who celebrated his skill and maturity throughout the game. “We have some player there,” Arteta remarked, adding that Nwaneri’s team-mates frequently sought him out, a “great sign” of the respect he’s earned within the squad.
Despite Preston’s spirited efforts and determination to limit Arsenal’s chances, the Championship side struggled to retain possession and were quickly outmatched by the visiting Gunners, who made eight changes to their starting lineup. By the time Preston’s Jeppe Okkels and Emil Riis found opportunities to threaten Arsenal’s goal, the score was already 3-0.
Arteta’s decision to include regulars like Bukayo Saka and Havertz as substitutes hinted at his commitment to keeping his team in form across competitions. The game also marked debuts for two more Arsenal academy products: 18-year-olds Tommy Setford, a goalkeeper, and defender Ayden Heaven. With a blend of experienced players and promising youth, Arsenal now turns its focus to the quarter-final, ready to build on a strong Carabao Cup campaign as they continue to look to the future.
