Teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri nominated for Arsenal's November Goal of the Month award

NIGERIA-eligible teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has been nominated for Arsenal's Goal of the Month award for November 2022 following his recent scintillating displays with the club's youth team.

Nwaneri became the youngest player ever to play in the English Premier League at 15 years and 181 days on September 18 when he came on in injury time for Arsenal against Brentford. He shattered the previous record held by Harvey Elliot of Liverpool who appeared for Fulham at the age of 16 years and 30 days.

His appearance suddenly sparked a lot of speculation about his international future and England  quickly played him for the Young Lions in their 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifier against Lithuania. Sporting jersey number 20, Nwaneri came on as a substitute in the 79th minute, in a clear sign that England are interested in his services long term.

 In a  further feather in Nwaneri's cap, Arsenal have picked eight strikes for the monthly accolade, which is open to goals scored by the first team, academy teams and women's team. Nwaneri, 15, has been shortlisted for his low drive for the U18s in their 3-3 draw against Manchester United in a Premier League Cup match on November 5.

Overall, Nwaneri played five games for Arsenal youth teams last month, scoring on two occasions. Nwaneri will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of William Saliba, Fabio Vieira and Thomas Partey who won Arsenal Goal of the Month for August, September and October respectively.

Yesterday Nwaneri got another senior game under his belt as he came off the bench midway through the second half as Arsenal beat Lyon 3-0 in a mid-season friendly. Also included in the shortlist are goals from Catalin Cirjan, Steph Catley, Eddie Nketiah, Martin Odegaard, Laura Wienroither, Vivianne Miedema and Amario Cozier-Duberry.