Arsenal fans have buckled up their seatbelts as they prepare to face their archrivals for the North London derby, Tottenham. But the reports suggest that Mikel Arteta could come up with a surprise. Well, we can see 17 years old young sensation Ethan Nwaneri to step up on the pitch and make in this mark in the mid field. This move is basically to counter the injury crises which the gunners are facing at the moment.
Major Setbacks For Arsenal Before The North London Derby
Arsenal’s serious injury crisis is now evident to everyone. Key players like Declan Rice, who have been one of the main guy in the mid field, has now been suspended after receiving a red card in the last match against Brighton. To make the things even worse for Arsenal, last week their captain too picked up a serious injury during the international break. Their newest midfield addition, Mikel Merino, has also been sidelined. Now this makes Arsenal’s mid field quite weak to be the title contenders for on the biggest league.
With this crises running back of Arteta’s mind, he does have to make some bold moves and set up his team to face Spurs in the North London Derby, with some key players missing.
Can Ethan Nwaneri Be The Next Big Thing In Football?
Now with rumours flowing around and according to BBC Sport’s Mark Chapman, Arsenal could bring forward their 17 years old academy product Ethan Nwaneri to fill their gaps in the mid field. On the BBC’s Planet Premier League podcast, Chapman said: “There are rumours that Arsenal may start a 17-year-old, Ethan Nwaneri, against Tottenham. They have some issues in midfield – Declan Rice is suspended, Martin Odegaard picked up an injury, and Merino is already out. Starting a youngster in such a massive game would be a bold move.”
Ethan Nwaneri, no doubt is a fantastic baller. But starting a youngster in such a high-pressure match, especially the North London Derby, is a bold move. This match could either be a break through point in this career or it can break his early career. So Arteta needs to be very cautious on making this decision.
Can This Decision Backfire At The Gunners?
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is always known for making strategic and calculated decisions. But this isn’t just an ordinary decision, this decision requires courage and valor. As the North London Derby isn’t just the random match, its a match of history, pride, high stakes and more importantly reputation. If Ethan Nwaneri fails to deliver at such a big stage, all the blame will go down to Arteta and his bold call.
Now looking the other way round, it Nwaneri rises up to the occasion, it could be the game changing opportunity for the youngster. Arsenal fans would love to see someone of their very own standing up to the occasion. Delivering when it mattered the most for the Gunners. Whatever happens the next, it will be interesting to find out how well the young lad takes on the pressure.
What Other Options Does Arteta Have In His Bag
A deeper look at the squad shows that Arteta has other options besides Ethan Nwaneri. With players like Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino missing, we can see Arteta bring Kai Havertz into the mid field and pair him up with Thomas Partey and Jorginho. This trio is far more experienced and can give more stability in the mid field in such a huge match. Even though this wouldn’t be the ideal line up, yet it is a much safer option.
High Stakes In The North London Derby
Besides pride, reputation and self respect, there is Arsenal’s hopes to win the Premier League on the line. With Manchester City and Liverpool accelerating forward, the Gunners cannot afford to drop even a single point. A win and the three additional points beside their name would give them the extra momentum that they need in these early stages of the season. Recently, Arteta also signed a new contract, so there is more burden on him, as he just cannot let him fans and management down.
Conclusion
Arteta’s decision on whom to start in the mid field could decide the whole dynamic of the game. Even if Nwaneri gamble pays off or backfires, a win is all that would matter at this stage. Yet the Arsenal fans would be hoping decision to be at their side, as it would not only get them closer to the title but it would also be a start of the next ‘Superstar’.
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