Ethan Nwaneri was impressed with Arsenal’s win over Brentford

Against Brentford, however, Arteta deployed Nwaneri in the role perfected by Saka, cutting in as a left-footed right winger. And Arsenal look more alike for it.

In the first half, Nwaneri and Martinelli had the fewest touches of all the players in the outfield, but the teenager impressed with the little ball he had. He was the only player to complete all his passes in the opening period – 17 out of 17.

It will be a test to see if he can step it up in the second half when Arsenal need it. It was an exam that the college-age student passed with flying colors.

“He just makes me smile,” TNT Sports pundit Karen Carney said of Nwaneri. “He’s brave, he’s brave – for someone so young.

“For a young man he is fantastic. He is positive and a joy to watch. I can’t believe how young he is – he will be a perfect player for Arsenal.”

“He’ll definitely get chances when Saka isn’t available,” added former Arsenal defender Martin Keown. “Everything is under the bonnet waiting to come out.

“It’s really important that you have players in the squad who show the quality that comes from the academy.”

Arteta has handled Nwaneri with kid gloves since handing him his debut, but feels this is the time and place to give him the biggest spotlight of his career so far.

“We have a 17-year-old in the starting line-up who has done well,” Arteta said in his post-match media conference. “I think Ethan is the best player in that position to start the game. He also made his debut in the Premier League here, sometimes a feeling like that helps.

“It’s patience, failure management and anticipation. We built him.”