Arsenal followers ask ‘how is he solely 17’ as wonderkid curls the ball into internet from fringe of space

Move over Luke Littler, there’s a new 17-year-old in town.

Arsenal fans could barely contain their excitement as Ethan Nwaneri received the ball from Gabriel Jesus, on the edge of the area, picked up his head and curled the ball into the far corner. Freddie Woodman, who was in net for Preston, would have had more chance saving the moon – or so the saying goes.

Nwaneri wheeled off in celebration as Arsenal fans took to social media to gush over their new super-talent. “We got our own Lamine,” one fan joked in response to the strike.

“Ethan Nwaneri is the future if football, none if this Lamine Yamal nonsense,” a second joked. While a third posted: “Arteta needs to trust Nwaneri more, even in the big games. He is a game changer!”

“I have seen enough man… start Nwaneri in every league match,” a fourth begged. And another added: “There’s no way this man is 17, he’s way beyond his years on the pitch!”

Ahead of Wednesday evening, the 17-year-old had made five appearances for the Gunners so far this season, including one start in the Carabao Cup. During that clash against Bolton, Nwaneri was on the scoresheet twice, his first professional goals for the club.

Arteta had been careful with his development, however.

When asked about the possibility of Nwaneri and young teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly starting against Liverpool last weekend, Arteta said: “They are in contention. They always give us the option and the possibility to start the game.

“Myles came on the other night and he did really well. Ethan the same. They are first-team players. They are with us and we treat them and value the same way as any other player.”