“He seems to have that little bit of imagination to unlock things” - Rio Ferdinand feels Arsenal star deserves ‘more time’ despite Inter loss

Pundit Rio Ferdinand has thrown his weight behind Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri, asking that he gets more time to show what he's capable of. The teenager made his UEFA Champions League bow for the Gunners as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan (November 6).

Still only 17 years old, England youth international Nwaneri has been knocking on the door of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for senior minutes this season. The youngster was impressive in the Gunners' pre-season tour of the USA and has been very much the same in his starts for the side this season. Nwaneri has scored three goals in two starts, both of which came in the Carabao Cup, this season.

Ethan Nwaneri was introduced off the bench for Arsenal as they chased the game at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan. The teenager failed to help his side avoid defeat in the clash, but offered a timely reminder of his talent in his eight minutes on the pitch. Rio Ferdinand was pleased to see the young midfielder thrive, and asked on TNT Sports that the 17-year-old be given more opportunities.

"Ethan Nwaneri came on today and showed flashes. You go, ‘you know what, are they going to give him a little bit more time, a little bit more responsibility?’. Because he seems to have that little bit of imagination to unlock things when it’s tight."

Nwaneri was often overlooked by Gunners boss Arteta in the past two months since captain Martin Odegaard picked up an ankle injury. Despite being the player stylistically suited to replace the captain, the manager opted for a change in formation, instead of starting the teenager.

Odegaard returned to action in the game against Inter Milan, coming on as an injury time substitute for the Gunners. Nwaneri will likely see his minutes reduce further with Odegaard's return, but has shown enough to prove his worth to the side.

Arsenal suffer second successive defeat, bow to Inter Milan

Following a weekend league defeat to Newcastle United, Arsenal made it two straight losses as they suffered another 1-0 reverse in Milan. The Gunners lost to Serie A champions Inter Milan in what was a tight encounter.

Inter Milan scored the game's only goal in the first half, when the VAR adjusted Mikel Merino to have handled the ball in his box. Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up and sent David Raya the wrong way with his penalty in first half added time.

Arsenal tried to get a leveler in the second half but failed to breach the rearguard of the Italian side, who held out for all three points. Inter Milan have now kept a clean sheet in each of their games in the UEFA Champions League this season.