Ethan Nwaneri should make Champions League debut vs PSV Eindhoven

Arsenal suffered a disappointing 1-0 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend. A solitary goal from John McGinn sealed the victory for Unai Emery’s side.

The Gunners had some clear-cut chances during the game but they lacked the cutting edge in the final third and suffered their second league defeat of the season.

The club will be aiming to return to winning ways against PSV on Tuesday night and ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta is bound to make several changes.

The north London giants have already qualified for the round of 16 stage of the Champions League with the top position in their group after beating Lens last month.

There is nothing at stake when it comes to the result and Arteta has the perfect opportunity to test his bench and reserve strength against the Eredivisie leaders.

In our view, Ethan Nwaneri should be handed his Champions League debut from the starting XI, having been an unused substitute in the previous matchday at home.

Arteta resisted the prospect of bringing him on despite the club’s dominance over Lens, but should be tempted to do so, particularly after his heroics in the FA Youth Cup.

Nwaneri, who can play in both midfield and attack, initially started up front for the Under 18s. He showed his class with five goals in the second half of a thumping 7-1 win over Crewe Alexandra.

At just 16 years of age, it is quite clear that Nwaneri has matured beyond his years. The manager won’t get a better opportunity to trust him into the limelight tomorrow.

Reull Walters and Myles Lewis-Skelly are other youngsters who have also been knocking on the door of the first-team with their excellent progress within the academy.

It is unlikely that Arteta will start all three in the starting XI and we would love to see at least one of the graduates getting the nod from the off against PSV on the road.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com