What Arsenal are now saying about Ethan Nwaneri’s progress behind the scenes

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Much to the surprise of Arsenal fans, Ethan Nwaneri was left out of the matchday squad to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Ethan Nwaneri had travelled with the rest of the Arsenal squad to Tyneside, but Mikel Arteta chose to leave the 18-year-old out of his 20, which is becoming increasingly competitive. 

It should be noted that 15-year-old Max Dowman was included on the bench, even if he wasn’t used.

Arteta’s decision must have frustrated Nwaneri – the youngster recently signed a new long-term contract and he’ll be itching for first team minutes.

However, Arsenal appear to have altered their plan with Nwaneri over the summer, and he’s now predominantly competing with Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze. 

Arsenal decided Ethan Nwaneri was struggling to progress as a right winger

With that in mind, reliable journalist James McNicholas has provided an interesting insight into Arsenal’s decision-making on ‘Arsecast’.

Discussing the weekend’s win against Newcastle, McNicholas noted that Nwaneri wasn’t involved.

And perhaps Dowman’s inclusion over Nwaneri is resultant of the fact that the latter is now being seen strictly as a number 10, and the former as a right winger.

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Sharing what he’s heard, McNicholas said: “Everything I heard towards the back end of last season suggested that Arsenal felt that Ethan hit a bit of a wall in terms of his wide development and performance. 

“They felt like defenders were sort of wise to what he was trying to do in that position and that he would be better served by being in central areas.

“And actually, when you look at the way the squad’s been assembled, the players we’ve signed, the selection decisions Arteta has made, everything tallies with that idea that they want and see Ethan as a central player.”

Eberechi Eze’s arrival has made life harder for Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal

In truth, most Arsenal fans would probably agree that Nwaneri is most effective in central positions, especially those who watched him progress through the Hale End academy.

But on the flip side, it is going to be very difficult for Nwaneri to demand minutes, as the weekend proved.

Even when Odegaard is now missing, Eze is also competing for chances as a number 10, which is also his best role.

In fact, after his contributions against Newcastle, Bukayo Saka praised Eze’s impact at Arsenal, a player who’s immediately shown his rich ability. 

Arsenal’s squad depth transformed over the summer, new sporting director Andrea Berta made several astute signings.

And even if he is brimming with talent, Nwaneri will need to be patient for his opportunities, which might predominantly arise in cup competitions for now.