It is easy forget how far Nwaneri has come. On nights like this, he leads the way for other Hale End stars like Dowman and Harriman-Annous

Ethan Nwaneri has hardly gotten on the pitch after his breakout last season. On Wednesday, he reminded everyone how much talent he possesses.

Ethan Nwaneri has praised his connection with Myles Lewis-Skelly after the academy graduates combined for Arsenal’s opening goal on Wednesday night. Arsenal 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made just his second start of the season for the Gunners on Wednesday, featuring in the lineup for the League Cup fourth round against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Ethan Nwaneri put Arsenal ahead early in the second half and Bukayo Saka came off the bench to seal the win late on. Before both goals, it was Max Dowman that caught the eye on a night when he made history by becoming the youngest player ever to start a first-team game for Arsenal.

Arsenal’s academy continues to produce talented youngsters, and the heir to Ethan Nwaneri’s throne may already be emerging. Bukayo Saka is the poster boy for the Hale End academy, having developed through the system and broken into the first team before establishing himself as one of the best players in the world.

Arteta hailed Nwaneri in December 2024 and said that he felt the Hale End graduate can operate effectively as a striker with time. The Spaniard claimed: “Ethan can play as a right attacking midfielder, left attacking midfielder, as a right winger and there is another position he can develop into in a few years time. Nine.

Arsenal's three winners and three losers from their Carabao Cup match against Brighton as Ethan Nwaneri shines in the victory.

Arsenal aren’t planning on loaning Ethan Nwaneri out in the January transfer window, Arsenal Insider understands. Martin Odegaard has suffered from injury issues this season, yet Nwaneri has been restricted to just one start in all competitions.

Mikel Arteta believes Ethan Nwaneri is most comfortable in central areas, suggesting that’s where Arsenal will now look to develop him.Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesArsenal youngster Ethan