Mikel Arteta reveals why he took Ethan Nwaneri off at half time against Brighton

Arsenal's English midfielder #53 Ethan Nwaneri celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on January 4, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Ethan Nwaneri scored Arsenal’s goal against Brighton

Arsenal appear to have suffered another injury setback with Ethan Nwaneri set for a spell on the sidelines, according to Mikel Arteta.

The Arsenal manager appeared to have stumbled upon a readymade solution to the problem caused by Bukayo Saka’s absence.

Nwaneri starred in the win at Brentford on New Year’s Day and was rewarded with another start at the Amex.

The 17-year-old rewarded his manager’s faith with his second Premier League goal of the season but he failed to emerge for the second half.

Having been booked for timewasting it was assumed that Arteta was being mindful of another potential red card but he later revealed the youngster had sustained an injury.

He said: ‘Really bad news because I think we’ve lost him, we had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues.’

Nwaneri’s absence will hurt as much as two dropped points which saw Arsenal miss the chance to put pressure on Liverpool ahead of their game with Manchester United on Sunday.

Alamy Live News. 2S1P9KR Brighton, UK. 04th Jan, 2025. American Express Stadium BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal FC celebrates his goal during the Premier League 2024/25 Matchweek 20 match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Arsenal FC at American Express Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Brighton, England. (David Horton/SPP) Credit: SPP Sport Press Photo. /Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.
Ethan Nwaneri has now scored five goals for Arsenal this season (Credits: Alamy Live News.)
Alamy Live News. 2S1N4G9 Brighton and Hove, UK. 4th Jan, 2025. Ethan Nwaneri (L) of Arsenal celebrates with Mikel Merino of Arsenal after scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton and Hove. Picture credit should read: Paul Terry/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.
Arsenal are going to be without Ethan Nwaneri after he suffered an injury against Brighton (Credits: Alamy Live News.)

The Gunners could have moved to within three points of the leaders, albeit having played two games more, but a disjointed second half performance cost them dearly.

‘Obviously we wanted to win the game,’ said Arteta afterwards. ‘This is a tough place to come and they are a very good side. We started well, scored a beautiful goal and we were in control.

‘In the second half we didn’t really grab the game or dominate enough to have certain moments and be more of a threat in their half.

‘But defensively we did not concede much apart from the transition moment with Minteh.

‘When you are playing every three days or less than that you cannot with the amount of injuries and situations maintain the level of performance and competitiveness. Today we lacked it in the second half.

‘Today was not about fatigue. it was about the simple things that we have to do in ball possession to give chances and dominate the game in the right areas.’

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