Ethan Nwaneri problem that Mikel Arteta won’t like is starting to worry Arsenal fans

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Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri was given another chance to start for the side in their clash with Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

The youngster has been on the fringes of the team so far this season, often given chances to impress in the cup competitions.

Ethan Nwaneri was one of four changes made by Mikel Arteta, as Arsenal scored through Bukayo Saka, along with a Mikel Merino brace, to earn another important three points in the Champions League.

There have been concerns surrounding the academy graduate, with Arsenal fans noticing one clear issue for the starlet.

Arsenal fans worry about Ethan Nwaneri’s duels against Slavia Prague

Nwaneri’s position has changed this season, with Mikel Arteta deciding to play him in the midfield, rather than on the wing like last season.

That has come with fewer opportunities to impress, though the latest against Slavia Prague was an opportunity in the Champions League.

Fans were left far from convinced with his performance, though, with questions arising over his ability to win duels.

One supporter said on social media: “Nwaneri loses too many duels. Probably the reason why he doesn’t get as many minutes as he should.”

Another said: “Nwaneri losing every single duel is why Mikel doesn’t give him play time.”

One fan commented: “This Nwaneri performance isn’t looking too good so far. losing every physical duel.”

“Nwaneri off the ball is a problem and why probably why Arteta doesn’t start him, still only 18 though, so it’s to be expected,” another fan said.

The concern continued with another fan saying: “Nwaneri just loses duel after duel, man and is just too selfish with shot selection at times. It’s understandable he’s 18; he needs time, but you can see why Arteta doesn’t play him in as many games.”

It’s a worry for Nwaneri, who will be looking to force himself back into contention again in the coming weeks of the season.

Ethan Nwaneri’s defensive statistics in Slavia Prague vs Arsenal

The fans pointed out that Nwaneri struggled with the physicality of the game in Prague, and the statistics prove that.

The 18-year-old attempted seven ground duels, but won just two of them in the match, while he won none of his aerial duels.

There were two recoveries and one clearance in a positive moment for Nwaneri, but it is a clear problem to be worked on.

Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of those duels in the past as something he needs for his team to control the game.

The substitution for Eberechi Eze signalled a change he felt was needed to keep hold of the game, and it shows an area to work on.