Mikel Arteta Reveals Why He Handed English Premier League Debut to Ethan Nwaneri

• Ethan Nwaneri now holds the record of the youngest player to ever feature in the English Premier League
• At just 15 years and 181 days, the youngster of Nigerian descent featured as Arsenal defeated Brentford 3-0
• According to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, there had been positive reviews about the academy player

Nigeria-eligible footballer Ethan Nwaneri made history on Sunday, September 18, to become the youngest debutant in the English topflight.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta handed the 15-year-old his debut during their 3-0 away victory over Brentford.

Arteta disclosed that he liked the lad when he joined the first team training following good reviews from the academy coaches as well as the club’s director of football, Edu.

The manager is delighted to hand the Nigerian descent his first Premier League game but admitted that it was possible because there were injuries in the first team.

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Arteta said as per Soccernet:

“It was a pure gut feeling. I met the boy (and) really liked what I saw. Per Mertesacker and the academy staff are giving me really good information, Edu as well.

“I met him, he’s trained a couple of times with us. Yesterday he had to come because we have injuries, especially the injury of Martin (Odegaard), and then I had that feeling from yesterday that if the opportunity could come that I was going to do it and I just done it.”

Arteta says the EPL race is a tough one

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has suggested that the Premier League title race is a wait-and-see before determining who is in a pole position to win the title.

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The Gunners have enjoyed a bright start to the new season, picking an encouraging six wins after seven matches.

The north Londoners' only slip up of the season came during their trip to Old Trafford, where they were humbled 3-1 by Man United.

Despite the defeat, Arsenal have since managed to turn around their fortunes and get their campaign back on track.

Everton prepare a contract extension for Iwobi

Sports Brief earlier reported that Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi has become a very important player for the English Premier League club Everton.

Iwobi is currently in the form of his life and has risen from the fringes to become a key clog in the wheels at Goodison Park.

Everton are initiating a contract extension for the Nigerian international who had struggled under previous bosses, including Marco Silva, Rafa Benitez, and Carlo Ancelotti.