'Looked lively' - Former Scotland forward hails Nwaneri despite Arsenal's loss to Newcastle United

Former Scotland forward James McFadden hailed Ethan Nwaneri's impact in Arsenal's 1-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Premier League early kick-off game on Saturday.  

The only goal of the game was scored in the 12th minute with Alexander Isak heading Anthony Gordon's brilliant cross beyond David Raya.

In a bid to turn the tide around, Mikel made some changes to his team on the hour mark and that saw Nwaneri replacing Gabriel Martinelli and Oleksandr Zinchenko coming on for Mikel Merino.

With Newcastle defending doggedly, Nwaneri attempted to recreate the goal he scored against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

After an exchange of passes down the right flank, the 17-year-old was fed the ball, drifted in and tried to curl the ball into the top corner, but his effort went over the goal post.

During the game, McFadden, who was on commentary with BBC Radio 5 Live hailed the impact of the talented midfielder in the contest.

"Arsenal have definitely upped the tempo, Declan Rice is playing a bit further forward, and Ethan Nwaneri has come on and looked lively. Again when the ball comes into the box Newcastle are continuing to deal with it.

"Newcastle have put so much into the game that they are naturally dropping back now, offering slightly less on the counter. This game is going to go right to the wire."

With Nwaneri coming on the hour mark, today is the longest he has featured in a Premier League game for Arsenal.

The England youth international is still pushing for his first-ever start in the English top flight, with all his seven appearances being as a substitute.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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