“There’s a whole lot more to come” - Martin Keown names Arsenal star who could benefit from injury to Bukayo Saka

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown heaped praise on youngster Ethan Nwaneri after his performance in their win over Brentford. The Gunners beat the Bees 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium in the Premier League on New Year's Day.

With Bukayo Saka out of action due to a hamstring injury, manager Mikel Arteta chose to start Nwaneri against Brentford. It was the 17-year-old's first Premier League star and he spent 78 minutes on the pitch, completing 2/3 dribble attempts. He completed 22/24 passes, made two key passes, had one shot, and won 2/6 duels.

After the game, Martin Keown said that we'll see more from Nwaneri as he gets more chances due to Saka's unavailability.

"There's a whole lot more to come," he said (via Eurosport). "He's definitely going to get those chances with Saka not being available. He's been using him regularly with Odegaard, bringing him off in games. We saw there, under the bonnet, ready to come out. A really exciting prospect for Arsenal.

"Another kid out of the academy. [Myles] Lewis-Skelly as well, another one playing a part again tonight. It's really important you have those players in the team, in the group, demonstrating the quality coming through the academy."

Nwaneri has already made 17 senior appearances for Arsenal across competitions this season and scored four goals.

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Mikel Arteta assesses Arsenal's win over Brentford

The Gunners had a poor start to the clash against Brentford on New Year's Day as Bryan Mbeumo gave the hosts the lead in the 13th minute. However, Arsenal bounced back well as Gabriel Jesus restored parity in the 29th minute. Mikel Merino (50') and Gabriel Martinelli (53') then secured all three points for the visitors.

Mikel Arteta shared his assessment of the game in his post-match press conference, saying (via Arsenal.com):

"It’s a very difficult place to come, when you see their record at home, the way they play, the way they cause issues to opponents, very impressive, on top of that, we went a goal down.

"So then, it becomes a big mountain to climb, but I think the team showed a lot of composure, was very calm emotionally because we needed that in today’s game and as well had the right desire to keep insisting, attacking them and do it in a way that can cause them problems, which is difficult. So, overall, I think we deserved to win the game."

The Gunners are second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand. They will next face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.