Preston North End on a foggy October night will probably start a long highlights reel if Ethan Nwaneri achieves the heights that are anticipated to be his in the years to come.

Nwaneri got the ball just outside the area on minute 33, scampered onto that left foot, and then blasted it past goalie Freddie Woodman into the top-left corner.

The ball was curling away at a terrifying rate, and its technique was incredible and unstoppable. The goal was reminiscent of the summer Euro goal scored by 17-year-old Lamine Yamal for Spain against France.

Arsenal supporters have long demanded that Mikel Arteta give Nwaneri more playing time because of his obvious skill. The visiting fans had started singing “Ethan Nwaneri, he’s one of our own” at the end of the game.

The teenager’s chances in the starting lineup have frequently seemed constrained since he became the Premier League’s youngest player in September 2022 against Brentford, at the age of 15 years and 181 days.

Ethan Nwaneri had a night to remember in Arsenal’s routine victory against Preston North End

Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring at Deepdale as Mikel Arteta’s side cruised past their rivals

During the midweek action, Kai Havertz was also playing well, capping the victory on the road.

You feel that even Arteta can’t leave the door half-open on this superstar any longer after last night’s performance.

Nor was it merely the objective. His performance was noteworthy overall, especially in the first half. In addition to step-overs, he continued to find himself in goal-threatening situations. A breakthrough night for a promising star.

“He did it yesterday in training, so we’re getting used to that,” Arteta stated.

“He has a lot of talent, the right players, the right attitude, and the right background, so we need to make sure we put brick by brick.” However, we have a player there!

With David Raya rested, 18-year-old Tommy Setford began in goal.

Surprisingly, Myles Lewis-Skelly was benched, and Jurrien Timber started after being substituted late due to fatigue in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

After twenty-four minutes, Gabriel Jesus opened the score. Jakub Kiwior near the back post headed Gabriel Martinelli’s free-kick to Jesus, who smashed a strong half-volley into the goal.

Raheem Sterling had early possession but struggled to advance and appeared stiff with the ball.

Nwaneri’s incredible goal ensured the Gunners won the match by halftime, but Arteta chose to start his mainstays, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka.

Despite a busy schedule and recent injuries, this was an intriguing choice, but it was a run-out.

The academy youngster has been crying out for more minutes and was duly rewarded on Wednesday evening

Teenage reserve goalkeeper Tommy Setford was handed a place in the starting XI with David Raya rested

The team led by Mikel Arteta will next play Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals.

Mads Frokjaer-Jensen of Preston was put through, but fortunately, he was offside. He dragged his chance against Setford wide.

After replacement Havertz put the score on the board, Jesus was denied a second goal by a superb Woodman stop, but Nwaneri had the night. Recall the name.