Mikel Arteta has unlocked new weapon to help avoid unwanted Arsenal problem
by James Quinlan · football.londonThe overriding feeling will be joy following Arsenal's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, though there will be requirement for added caution in the weeks ahead.
The Gunners sent the Emirates Stadium into pandemonium on Saturday afternoon with such a convincing win against Forest - a much-needed response to the poor stint of the season leading up to the November international break.
Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey scored either side of half-time to gain a fine advantage, then 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri popped up with his first Premier League strike for the club.
Arsenal supporters, plus Mikel Arteta no doubt, will be increasingly excited for the long career ahead of the academy talent, though the manager may also be thinking about what Nwaneri can offer in the short-term as well.
Gabriel Jesus moved onto four yellow cards for the season with the one he earned against Forest on Saturday. One more and the attacker will be suspended for one domestic match, as per the rulebook.
Given extensive injury troubles that have plagued Arteta's ability to select his best XI at times this season, another name out would be a major blow, however Nwaneri's added ability to score in the Premier League will ease these fears.
In actual fact, Jesus is yet to find the net in the league this term. The Brazilian has been out of form as he had battled his way back from injury, and before today only six Gunners players had registered a goal.
Nwaneri becomes the seventh today, and Arteta will need that number to increase if his team are to push on again.