Arsenal making history with a win? That can’t be. Well, it’s true as Arsenal fielded the youngest player ever in Premier League history during their 3-0 victory over Brentford.
Yeah, this game didn’t really end up being all that competitive.
In fact, the biggest headliner from this game was Mikel Arteta’s decision to substitute Fabio Viera in the 90′ with Ethan Nwaneri, a 15-year-old kid making his debut for Arsenal. What makes Nwaneri’s story so special is that he is now the youngest player to ever play a Premier League game as he surpassed the previous record holder, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott (who was 16 when he made his debut).
Whether you’re an Arsenal fan or not, you have to admit that this is a fantastic story. Watching a kid, which Ethan Nwaneri still is, achieve his dreams and play for his boyhood club in the Premier League, at such a young age no less, is heartwarming. I hope he continues his development as a professional footballer and can become a regular in this Arsenal side in the years to come.
Oh, and the Arsenal fans shouting at him that he had to go to school tomorrow was absolutely hilarious.
As for the game itself, it was over before the first half ended.
The emerging William Sailba came up huge for Arsenal again as he opened the scoring in the 16′ with his near post flick off a Bukayo Saka’s corner that looped over David Raya’s head and into the back of the net. I’ve said this dozens of times at this point, but Sailba has been such a massive addition to this Arsenal team.
He brings a calmness and assuredness to the Gunners backline that Gabriel, Ben White, and Rob Holding lacked.
Now, I’m not saying these guys are bad defenders as they definitely are not, but they just lack those two qualities that separate the elite defenders from the good ones.
Well, since I’m speaking about emerging players, Gabriel Jesus found himself back on the scoresheet with Arsenal’s second goal. The Brazilian striker separated himself from the Brentford defenders and crept in behind them as Granit Xhaka sent in a delightful cross from just outside the box.
Jesus leaned backwards and directed his headed over Raya, sealing the game for the Gunners. A true striker’s goal if I’ve ever saw one.
It’s tough to decide who has had a bigger impact on Arsenal’s resurgence this season between Jesus and Sailba. Both of these guys have been utterly spectacular in their, respective, positions, with each one delivering in abundance during Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League.
For those wondering, Fabio Vierra added the third and clinching goal with an absolute rocket from 30 yards out to seal this win for Arsenal. Brentford tried fighting back for a consolation goal, but they were never able to sustain a decent, dangerous attack. Arsenal’s defense, led by William Saliba, was just too good.
With six wins from the first seven games for a grand total of 18 points, Arsenal is now back on top of the Premier League. I said this yesterday after the Manchester City game and I’ll stand by it today. Arsenal are NOT title contenders.
They have proven with their loss against Manchester United that they are vulnerable when they play against the traditional Top-6 sides, which will cost them the title in the end. It’s good to see that Arsenal can defeat the “smaller” clubs consistently, which will help them in future title races, but they are not in one just yet.
Give it another year or two before Arsenal can consider themselves as true contender for the Premier League title.
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