Arteta wants to build Nwaneri's career brick by brick but the teenager has already earned the respect and trust of his senior players

EMIRATES STADIUM — Arsenal supporters may have felt a pang of apprehension when they saw Mikel Arteta‘s much-changed team for the visit of high-flying Nottingham Forest. Arsenal’s recent wobble has provoked questions about the strength of their squad.

LONDON - Mikel Arteta said his Arsenal team "flows in a different way" when Martin Odegaard is playing after the Gunners crushed Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Satu

Ethan Nwaneri scored his first Arsenal goal as Mikel Arteta’s side beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 to secure a first Premier League win since October 5. Arsenal had the ball in net after five minutes when Jurrien Timber bundled in from a free-kick but Mikel Merino was judged to be offside from the initial header.

Arsenal struck gold with the signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid. Back in August 2021, the Gunners managed to sign the Norway international for just £30m – having initially taken him on a loan deal in January 2021.

The absence of creativity in the final third has been Arsenal’s significant downfall, as was evident against Newcastle and subsequently against Inter Milan. Watching Arsenal versus Chelsea, however, there was a noticeable difference; suddenly, Arsenal’s attack appeared vibrant; it was just a matter of missed opportunities.