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Arsenal is flying right now. In true early-season fashion, the Gunners are giving fans everything they never truly learn from: reasons to believe, reasons to predict and, most importantly, reasons to be insufferable. Football is great!
As it stands, the Gunners are top of the Premier League and fourth in the Champions League. They've conceded just three goals across all competitions this season, which is a pretty phenomenal record.
Beneath all of those obvious reasons to grin, there lies a mystery that Arsenal fans just cannot seem to dissect. Where is Ethan Nwaneri, and why is he not playing nearly as much as he did last season?
Arsenal isn't giving Ethan Nwaneri his slice of the pie
So far this term, Ethan Nwaneri has made just one start for Arsenal, and that was in the League Cup against Preston North End. Other than that, he's been forced to make measly appearances from the bench to prove himself. All in all, he's played just 253 minutes so far this season.
That is nowhere near enough playing time for a kid who could easily become one of the best players in the world. The Hale End graduate is widely regarded as one of the most exciting 18-year-old athletes around right now, yet this season, he cannot get a look-in. But why is that?
Well, Arsenal's recruits don't exactly help Nwaneri's case. Towards the start of the season, Noni Madueke was one of the Gunners' best players and Eberechi Eze has also become a crucial player of late. Further back, Martin Zubimendi has been Arsenal's most improved midfielder.
Those recruits are obviously great news for Arsenal. If they are to win something this season, it will be down to Mikel Arteta's summer business. However, it doesn't make life any easier for Nwaneri.
Mikel Arteta has never shown any disdain towards Nwaneri. Last season, he helped the clearly talented youngster break into the first team and look comfortable while doing it. For Arteta, and everybody involved at Arsenal, it makes sense to give Nwaneri as many opportunities as possible.
Right now, it looks bleak for Nwaneri. However, with the busy festive schedule only around the corner, and immediate Champions League qualification on track for the Gunners, there will be more and more games where Arteta can afford to squad rotate, and Nwaneri should absolutely be in that conversation when it happens.