Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri in action against Bournemouth (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta urged to make huge Ethan Nwaneri call for Liverpool as Arsenal wait on Bukayo Saka

25 Oct 2024, 08:30 by Sam Truelove · football.london

Mikel Arteta has been urged to start Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri against Liverpool at the weekend.

The Reds travel to Emirates Stadium on Sunday top of the table and the Gunners know they must not lose to give their title hopes a boost. Arsenal may be without the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori, although there is hope Saka may recover in time for the clash.

With Odegaard and Saka among Arsenal's most creative players, there have been calls for Nwaneri to be given more minutes, although Arteta has been reluctant to play the 17-year-old. Nwaneri was thrown on for nine minutes against Bournemouth last weekend but he is yet to really be given a chance in a Gunners shirt, only playing 108 minutes this campaign.

Now, former Premier League midfielder Jamie O'Hara has told Grosvenor Sport that he believes Nwaneri should be given the opportunity to fill Odegaard’s boots against Liverpool. "I'd give young Ethan Nwaneri a start,” said O’Hara.

“He's looked really lively when he's had the chance, and he could be the missing piece in the Arsenal midfield without Martin Odegaard - Arteta has to roll the dice. Get him in and around the box, with Kai Havertz the focal point to play off and I reckon they can cause Liverpool problems.

"The fans really like Nwaneri and they will be right behind him and the team, Arteta needs the Emirates rocking on Sunday, it's a must win against a very strong team."

Liverpool go into the weekend top of the table on 21 points, while Arsenal are four points below Arne Slot's men. O'Hara believes the match is a must-win for Arteta's side.

“This is a title six-pointer for Arsenal,” he said. “They cannot afford to lose this game; they would go seven points adrift! They probably couldn't be in a much worse position to face Liverpool than they are right now either, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard out injured, William Saliba suspended - how does Mikel Arteta set them up?”

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