After training the day before, Arsenal’s manager noted how familiar Nwaneri’s performance felt, as if the team was already becoming accustomed to his emerging talent.
Following the match, the Spaniard shared his thoughts in a press conference, expressing admiration for the 17-year-old’s display.
Arsenal’s 5,600 traveling supporters also showed their excitement for Nwaneri’s rapid rise, chanting in his honor.
With just two senior starts for the Gunners, Nwaneri has already etched his name in the record books, becoming the youngest player to score in his opening two appearances—a feat that seems to have rightfully earned him his own chant among the Arsenal faithful.
Impressively, Nwaneri now has more League Cup goals than the legendary Thierry Henry.
Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if he can build on this early success and start adding Premier League goals to his resume.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has high hopes for Nwaneri, emphasizing that the young forward’s future depends largely on his own drive and consistency.
Arteta highlighted his “tremendous talent,” noting his positive attitude and the experienced players supporting him.
However, he also stressed the importance of nurturing Nwaneri’s development “brick by brick,” understanding the balance needed to carefully shape the careers of young players without overwhelming them too soon.
There are already signs that Nwaneri is handling the pressure well, though he did experience a bit of cramping near the end of the match.
Arteta and the coaching staff are keeping this in mind to avoid any risks with his fitness, especially given past cases like Jack Wilshere, whose promising career was hampered by recurring injuries.
Arsenal intends to ensure Nwaneri’s exposure to the first team is gradual to preserve his long-term potential and protect him from similar setbacks.
Nwaneri’s development is also being guided by senior players.
For example, Mikel Merino was seen directing Nwaneri during the game, particularly around positioning during set-pieces, showing how the veteran players are actively helping him navigate the game’s finer details.
Arsenal fans and staff are optimistic that the young Hale End product will continue his positive momentum.
In the same match, Gabriel Jesus finally ended his long scoring drought, a relief for both him and Arsenal fans.
The Brazilian had gone so long without finding the net that his previous goal came when Rishi Sunak was still prime minister, Roy Hodgson was managing Crystal Palace, and Nwaneri was yet to sign a professional contract with Arsenal.
Jesus’s goal was a cathartic moment, as he struck the ball with force, showcasing the pent-up frustration from his dry spell.
Instead of guiding Jakub Kiwior’s assist calmly into the goal, Jesus opted to smash it in, a move that highlighted his eagerness to end his scoring woes and perhaps turn the page on this challenging period.
Arsenal fans and Arteta will be hoping that this goal marks a new beginning for Jesus and that he can find the consistency to support the team’s ambitions this season.
Both Jesus’s return to form and Nwaneri’s promising rise offer hope for Arsenal’s attacking options going forward.