Ethan Nwaneri Did Something No Arsenal Player Has Ever Done Before in Win Over Bolton
Arsenal’s commanding 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup wasn’t just another routine win—it marked a moment of history for one of the Gunners’ brightest young talents, Ethan Nwaneri. The 17-year-old made headlines once again, this time by becoming the first player under the age of 18 to score more than once in his first competitive start for Arsenal. It’s an achievement that underscores the teenager’s immense potential and sets him apart in the club’s storied history.
Mikel Arteta, as expected, rotated his squad, giving opportunities to several younger players. Four teenagers made their debuts in Arsenal colors: Jack Porter, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Josh Nichols, and Nwaneri. However, it was Nwaneri who stole the spotlight. The young forward, playing in a crucial attacking role, not only found the back of the net twice but did so with a composure and confidence that belied his years.
From the moment the whistle blew, Nwaneri seemed at ease, seamlessly weaving himself into Arsenal’s attacking fabric. His movement, ball control, and decision-making were exemplary, traits that led to his two well-taken goals. The Emirates crowd watched in awe as Nwaneri etched his name into the club’s record books with his brace.
Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta couldn’t hide his admiration for the young star. “Ethan is an exceptional talent,” Arteta said. “He has a very mature head on his shoulders, and today he showed that he can handle the pressure of playing for this club at a high level. Scoring twice on your debut, especially at his age, is something very few players can boast of.”
Nwaneri’s record-breaking feat is just the latest in his meteoric rise. The teenager made history back in 2022 when he became the youngest player to ever appear in a Premier League match at just 15 years old. Now, with his latest achievement, he’s proving that the hype surrounding him is well-deserved.
Looking at his overall performance against Bolton, the statistics paint a clear picture of a player in control. Nwaneri registered 44 touches throughout the 90 minutes, completing 26 out of his 28 passes—a staggering 93% passing accuracy. His contributions weren’t limited to attack either; he also chipped in defensively, making two tackles to help his side maintain control of the game.
The goals themselves were clinical. Nwaneri’s first came after a clever bit of movement to find space in the box, allowing him to slot the ball past the Bolton goalkeeper. His second was a testament to his attacking instincts, timing his run perfectly to finish off a well-worked Arsenal move.
As Arsenal fans look ahead to the rest of the season, many will be hoping to see more of Nwaneri in the first team. His performance against Bolton has undoubtedly caught the attention of Arteta, and with fixtures coming thick and fast, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the young forward getting more minutes in upcoming Premier League games.
“I’m just focused on improving and learning from the players around me,” Nwaneri said after the game. “It’s a dream to score for Arsenal, but I know this is just the beginning. I have to keep working hard and take my chances when they come.”
With such a promising start, Ethan Nwaneri is not just a player for the future—he’s a player for the present. Arsenal’s rich tradition of developing young talent has found its latest gem, and the future looks bright for this young Gunners star.
Ethan Nwaneri Did Something No Arsenal Player Has Ever Done Before in Win Over Bolton
