Mikel Arteta has to take a chance and start Arsenal’s ‘big talent’ at St. James’ Park against Newcastle

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Arsenal face the major challenge this evening of having to overturn a 2-0 deficit away at Newcastle and Mikel Arteta must take one big chance at St. James’ Park.

The Gunners were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates in the first-leg as Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon both scored to hand the Tyneside club a healthy lead.

Arsenal have a poor recent record at St. James’ Park having lost three of their last four trips to the North East – so winning by three goals is quite a task.

Arteta must do something special in order for his team to stand a chance and that would be by starting one of the Gunners’ special talents.

Ethan Nwaneri’s senstional Arsenal stats

Mikel Arteta must make the big call of starting Ethan Nwaneri in Arsenal’s trip to St. James’ Park despite what is set to be a tough atmosphere.

The 17-year-old continues to take each opportunity he is presented with having netted three times in his last five matches for the Gunners.

The youngster scored a sensational goal against Manchester City on the weekend to complete their rout of the champions.

But he has only started on seven occasions this season and with Bukayo Saka missing, now is the time for the winger to be given a run in the team.

Nwaneri’s data this season shows just what a special talent he is and how important he is quickly becoming for the North London club.

The Arsenal academy star ranks top per 90 minutes for goals, shots, shots on target, shot accuracy rate and shot conversion rate – so given their need for goals, Arteta must put his trust in the teenager who he has described as a ‘big talent’ against Newcastle.

Who could Ethan Nwaneri replace vs Newcastle?

Gabriel Martinelli is the player who should be making way for Nwaneri against the Magpies with the winger struggling to make a big difference against City.

Nwaneri has looked most effective when cutting in from the wing and given the confidence he is playing with right now, starting right wing looks his best position.

Arteta has also admitted Nwaneri can play as a striker so replacing Kai Havertz is an option especially given his shocking miss versus Pep Guardiola’s side.