Mikel Arteta reveals why he took Ethan Nwaneri off at half time against Brighton
Share:
Arsenal appear to have suffered another injury setback with Ethan Nwaneri set for a spell on the sidelines, according to Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal manager appeared to have stumbled upon a readymade solution to the problem caused by Bukayo Saka’s absence.
![[Alamy Live News. 2S1P9KR Brighton, UK. 04th Jan, 2025. American Express Stadium BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal FC celebrates his goal during the Premier League 2024/25 Matchweek 20 match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Arsenal FC at American Express Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Brighton, England. (David Horton/SPP) Credit: SPP Sport Press Photo. /Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234968567-700e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Nwaneri starred in the win at Brentford on New Year’s Day and was rewarded with another start at the Amex. The 17-year-old rewarded his manager’s faith with his second Premier League goal of the season but he failed to emerge for the second half. Having been booked for timewasting it was assumed that Arteta was being mindful of another potential red card but he later revealed the youngster had sustained an injury.
![[Alamy Live News. 2S1N4G9 Brighton and Hove, UK. 4th Jan, 2025. Ethan Nwaneri (L) of Arsenal celebrates with Mikel Merino of Arsenal after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton and Hove. Picture credit should read: Paul Terry/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_234958419-b093.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
He said: ‘Really bad news because I think we’ve lost him, we had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues.’. Nwaneri’s absence will hurt as much as two dropped points which saw Arsenal miss the chance to put pressure on Liverpool ahead of their game with Manchester United on Sunday.
The Gunners could have moved to within three points of the leaders, albeit having played two games more, but a disjointed second half performance cost them dearly. ‘Obviously we wanted to win the game,’ said Arteta afterwards. ‘This is a tough place to come and they are a very good side. We started well, scored a beautiful goal and we were in control.
