Should Ethan Nwaneri be Arsenal's answer to fill Bukayo Saka void?

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri showed that he "can" be Bukayo Saka's replacement, but "should" he be?

Brentford FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Brentford FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League | Mike Hewitt/GettyImages

Arsenal's Hale End graduate Ethan Nwaneri impressed against Brentford filling in for Bukayo Saka, and he might just be the one to fill the void left by the England international.

We don't have to go back too far to remember when the news dropped regarding Bukayo Saka's injury and what Arsenal could/would do to help alleviate the loss of one of the best players in football.

Thoughts immediately turned to the January transfer market, which is a clear and obvious path, but then Gabriel Martinelli showed he can fill in the role with a good performance against Crystal Palace.

But then Ethan Nwaneri's efforts against Brentford in a 3-1 win happened.

The Hall End graduate looked as lively and as dangerous as Bukayo has this season, and having played a role in two of Arsenal's three goals, more than looked at home at Premier League level.

His desire to drive at the Brentford backline, take on players (and beat them), drift inside while demanding possession, and then pair it with some neat flicks to showcase his flair all add up to a 17-year-old who might be seeing the pitch far more often going forward.

But here's the question with Kai Havertz set to return against Brighton.

Nwaneri has shown is "could" be the answer to Arsenal's Saka problem, but should he be?

Ethan Nwaneri, Keane Lewis-Potter
Brentford FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League | Mike Hewitt/GettyImages

Without a doubt the answer is yes.

There is simply no substitute for Premier League football and learning on the fly is perhaps the best way for Nwaneri to develop and improve.

Now, will there be times when he doesn't impact? Sure, that's part and parcel of football, but the upside—my word, the upside—and what he can give the Gunners going forward is why he should be starting due to Saka's absence.

In his first league start, Nwaneri showed no signs of nerves. Instead, he oozed class and composure on the ball. His delivery into the box wreaked havoc all night against Brentford. His corner kick led to Mikel Merino's goal, and his cross led to Gabriel Martinelli's goal and Arsenal's third, which put the game to bed.

He also wasn't afraid to cut inside on his left foot either, much like Saka, and given his unpredictable nature on the ball, it could be the special sauce that keeps Arsenal in a groove in the final third.

The answer to Arsenal's Saka problem revealed itself against Brentford - it's Ethan Nwaneri.

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