Alan Shearer stunned by Ethan Nwaneri’s ‘horrible’ action in huge Arsenal win
Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri left Alan Shearer aghast with one moment during his side’s Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.
The Gunners travelled to the Netherlands on Tuesday night (4 March) for the first leg of their Round of 16 clash in the competition.
With Bukayo Saka still out injured for Arsenal, Nwaneri was once again called upon by Mikel Arteta to operate on the right-wing in that clash.
Nwaneri has produced some outstanding performances for Arsenal this season, and did so again in this match with one particular moment catching the eye of Shearer.
Ethan Nwaneri causes havoc for PSV defence
The youngster had got on the scoresheet with an excellent finish as the Gunners raced into a 3-0 lead, before PSV pulled a goal back through a Noa Lang penalty shortly before half-time.
Arsenal though would re-establish their three-goal lead just a minute after the break, with Nwaneri playing a key role in that goal.
After taking on and getting past PSV left-back Tyrell Malacia – who is on loan from Man United – the winger fired in an excellent cross from the byline.
Goalkeeper Walter Benitez could only parry the ball into the path of Martin Odegaard who was then able to tap home from close range.
Shearer meanwhile, was left thrilled by the work of Nwaneri in the build up to that Arsenal goal, given how difficult he made things for the PSV defence.
Speaking on commentary for Amazon Prime Sport after that goal went in, the former Newcastle striker said (9:07pm): “Oh my word what a cross, from young Nwaneri. He’s left one v one and the little stepover to get himself to the byline then he pings the cross in across the six-yard box.
“Keeper can’t do much with it he parries it right into the path of Odegaard. But one v one with this youngster here (Nwaneri), look at this speed, look at the way he just caresses the ball to get into the great position that he did, and it fell so nice for Odegaard there.
“It’s a horrible ball in for anyone to defend, goalkeepers and defenders, and they can’t deal with it and he’s [Odegaard] there to tuck it away.”
Arsenal excitment grows over Ethan Nwaneri
Football Insider Verdict
There has already been a growing expectation around Nwaneri on the back of his performances recently, and this will most certainly not have changed that.
The Arsenal winger produced yet another outstanding showing against PSV, playing with a constant fearlessness and hunger to get involved.
It paid dividends for Arteta’s side as well with the teenager making a significant impact in front of goal to help his side to a big win.
Subsequent goals from Leandro Trossard, Odegaard and Ricard Calafiori would ensure Arsenal secured an emphatic 7-1 win come full time in the Netherlands.
| Arsenal last five games | Result |
| Newcastle (A) | Lost 2-0 |
| Leicester (A) | Won 2-0 |
| West Ham (H) | Lost 1-0 |
| Nottingham Forest (A) | Drew 0-0 |
| PSV (A) | Won 7-1 |
After their struggle to find the back of the net in recent games, that will have been a big relief for everyone connected with the club.
At such a young age as well there is still plenty of time of time for Nwaneri to improve with experience, which will only add to the excitement around him for Arsenal fans.
This outing will therefore go down as a very successful one for the North London club, with Nwaneri playig a big part in that.