Ethan Nwaneri Shines for Arsenal Against Preston
Ethan Nwaneri stole the show with a spectacular strike as Arsenal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Preston. The 17-year-old Nwaneri, who previously scored his first senior goals with a brace in Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing of Bolton, was again instrumental, curling in a beautiful shot to extend Arsenal’s lead after Gabriel Jesus had opened the scoring with his first goal of the season.
Match Overview
Kai Havertz came off the bench to add a third goal, putting an end to Preston’s unwanted record of playing 185 games in this competition—more than any other club—without reaching the last eight. Arsenal has been aware of Nwaneri’s potential for quite some time; it’s been two years since he made history as the Premier League’s youngest player at just 15 years and 181 days old stephen clemence. jason statham His performance in this match indicates that he is ready to take on a larger role.
Team Changes
Mikel Arteta made eight changes to the Arsenal lineup that drew 2-2 with Liverpool on Sunday, giving an opportunity to 18-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford for his debut. Jurrien Timber returned from cramp to start, and Oleksandr Zinchenko made his first appearance since August following a calf injury.
First Half Highlights
Nwaneri had an early chance but couldn’t keep his shot down after reaching for a pass from Raheem Sterling near the penalty area. After Liam Lindsay missed a header from Sam Greenwood’s free-kick, Arsenal took the lead in the 24th minute. Gabriel Martinelli delivered a deep free-kick, which Jakub Kiwior headed back for Jesus to strike on the volley.
Arsenal nearly doubled their advantage six minutes later when Sterling connected with Mikel Merino, who selflessly set up Nwaneri. However, the Academy product lacked the power to find the net. Shortly afterward, Nwaneri redeemed himself by scoring from a more difficult position. Assisted by Jesus, the England youth international evaded his marker and curled a shot into the upper left corner of the Preston goal when is the budget. emily armstrong
Second Half Action
At halftime, Arteta made a double substitution, bringing on Havertz and Thomas Partey to replace Merino and Timber aaron taylor johnson. Havertz quickly made his impact felt, scoring Arsenal’s third goal just 11 minutes into the second half by heading Kiwior’s cross past Freddie Woodman for his seventh goal of the season.
Woodman made a remarkable double save just after the hour mark, first stopping a low shot from Jesus and then denying Sterling on the rebound. From the corner that followed, Stefan Thordarson inadvertently directed the ball toward his own goal, but Brad Potts headed it away to safety.
Missed Opportunities
Nwaneri came close to adding a second goal in the 76th minute when he found space just inside the box, aiming again for the top left corner, but this time his shot hit the crossbar and bounced to safety. Setford finally had his first real test, making a vital save against a dipping shot from Jeppe Okkels. Emil Riis should have scored for Preston six minutes from time but missed the target from a cross by fellow substitute Mads Frokjaer.
Final Moments
Though Arsenal dominated the match, Sterling was thwarted by a goal-line clearance from Potts in stoppage time.
With young talents like Nwaneri stepping up, could Arsenal be on the verge of something special this season?
Arsenal Ethan Nwaneri Carabao Cup Kai Havertz Gabriel Jesus
