Newcastle legend Alan Shearer was left in awe of Ethan Nwaneri’s stunning performance in Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-0 win over Leicester, calling the 17-year-old a ‘potential superstar.’
Though Arsenal needed a late double from substitute Mikel Merino to secure the victory, it was Nwaneri who earned the man-of-the-match honors with his electrifying display.
The teenager tormented Leicester’s defense, striking the woodwork twice before delivering a sublime assist for Merino’s opening goal in the 81st minute.
Merino, deployed as a false nine in Kai Havertz’s absence, made an immediate impact, nodding in Nwaneri’s pinpoint cross before sealing the win with a clinical strike past Mads Hermansen six minutes later.
The victory pushed Arsenal to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Discussing Nwaneri’s dazzling performance on Match of the Day, Shearer was full of praise.
“Seventeen years old… a potential superstar. He was Arsenal’s brightest spark,” Shearer said.
“Even when they were struggling, he was the one creating chances, whipping in crosses, and testing the goalkeeper. He was the best player on the pitch today.”
Shearer analyzed Nwaneri’s precise delivery for Merino’s goal, noting how the teenager effortlessly shifted the ball onto his left foot before curling in an inch-perfect cross.
“They finally had a presence in the box after bringing Merino on,” Shearer added. “Arsenal left it late, but they won’t care it was all about the three points.
The real star of the show was Ethan Nwaneri. He looked so mature, nothing fazed him. Fantastic performance.”
Joe Cole, providing commentary for TNT Sports, even likened Nwaneri’s movement and style to the legendary Lionel Messi.
When asked about the comparison, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta emphasized the youngster’s fearless attitude.
“His age raises questions about how we manage him, but he keeps telling us, ‘Let me go, let me go,’” Arteta said. “He’s playing with incredible freedom, and the players around him trust him. That’s the most important thing.”
With Nwaneri’s rapid rise and undeniable talent, Arsenal fans have every reason to be excited for the future.