Ethan Nwaneri's bright cameo shows he's ready for Arsenal return

  • Youngster made injury comeback against Dinamo Zagreb
  • Put in a good performance in half-hour cameo
  • Should be ready to return to the fold
Nwaneri was a bright spark in the second half
Nwaneri was a bright spark in the second half | Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

Ethan Nwaneri came off the bench to make his return from injury in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb and his short appearances showed he is ready to come back into the team.

The youngster had been absent since the start of the month, having picked up a muscle problem in a 1-1 draw at Brighton, but he made his highly anticipated comeback against the Croatian side.

While he must not be rushed straight back into action, Ethan Nwaneri's bright cameo against Dinamo Zagreb showed he is ready to return to the Arsenal team.


Ethan Nwaneri's bright cameo shows he's ready for Arsenal return

FBL-EUR-C1-ARSENAL-DINAMO ZAGREB
Nwaneri impressed in a substitute appearance | JUSTIN TALLIS/GettyImages

Nwaneri came on just prior to the hour mark, replacing Raheem Sterling and taking up residency on the right wing.

He played as if he had never been absent with his determination in attack causing plenty of problems for Zagreb's left side. Nwaneri seemed to offer a bit more than what Sterling had done throughout the first half.

The youngster created one chance for his teammates, completed two out of three successful dribbles and played one accurate cross into the box. In comparison, Sterling failed to play three attempted crosses accurately and completed two out of four dribbles.

When players return from injuries, both short and long-term, they sometimes struggle to adapt to play straight away but Nwaneri did not. He showed real urgency from the moment he came on the pitch, didn't slug about and instead threw himself into the game immediately.

Nwaneri had started to be deployed on the right wing and was performing well in the role until being ruled out with injury. Having played in that position when he came on against Zagreb, he proved he is more than capable of continuing on the flank.

Since Bukayo Saka and Nwaneri's injuries, Arsenal have really struggled to find consistency down the right. While Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been utilised in the role, their recent improvement in form has largely come when playing on the left side of attack. Sterling has also played there but has continued to underwhelm, summing up his time at the Emirates so far. Nwaneri has shown he is still the best option to fill the role in Saka's absence.

Of course, Arsenal can't throw Nwaneri straight back in at the deep end and expect him to play consistent 90-minute matches, but his bright cameo against Zagreb showed he is ready to make his return without needing much time to re-adapt. So long as he is fit, Nwaneri should be able to return to the Gunners' starting XI, especially considering he remains the far superior option at right wing.

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