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Arsenal Wonderkid Two Goals Away from Matching Owen & Rooney’s U18 Record
Arsenal’s 17-year-old sensation, Ethan Nwaneri, is just two goals away from equaling the legendary scoring record set by Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney before turning 18. With only seven matches remaining before his birthday, the young Gunner is on the verge of making history.
Chasing History: Nwaneri’s Impressive Rise
The prodigious forward, who made history as the youngest player to ever feature in the Premier League at just 15, has since evolved into a key attacking talent for Arsenal.
His breakthrough goal-scoring run began in September 2024 when he netted twice against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup. He followed it up with another goal against Preston North End, showcasing his exceptional left-footed technique.
In the Premier League, Nwaneri has already found the net three times, including a late strike against Nottingham Forest. His goal in European competition against Girona further solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in England.
Top U18 Scorers for Premier League Clubs (All Competitions)
| Player | Games | Minutes | Premier League Goals | Cup Goals | European Goals | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethan Nwaneri | 25 | 714 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| Michael Owen | 23 | 1,732 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| Wayne Rooney | 47 | 2,092 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 9 |
Stats via The Athletic
Can Nwaneri Break the Record?
With seven matches left before he turns 18 on March 21, Nwaneri has a golden opportunity to match or surpass the record. However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is handling his development with extreme caution.
Arteta’s Approach to Nwaneri’s Growth
Arteta has emphasized the importance of patience, stating:
“I am responsible for building a career for him. You have to do that brick by brick. Today he put another brick. Now we have to put some cement, make sure it doesn’t get dry so we can put another one.”
This careful approach ensures that Nwaneri doesn’t face burnout, but will he still get the minutes needed to break the record?
Arsenal’s Fixtures Before Nwaneri Turns 18
| Date | Competition | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Feb 2025 | Premier League | Leicester (A) |
| 22 Feb 2025 | Premier League | West Ham (H) |
| 26 Feb 2025 | Premier League | Nottingham Forest (A) |
| 4/5 Mar 2025 | Champions League | TBD |
| 9 Mar 2025 | Premier League | Manchester United (A) |
| 11/12 Mar 2025 | Champions League | TBD |
| 16 Mar 2025 | Premier League | Chelsea (H) |
With key Premier League and Champions League clashes ahead, Nwaneri will need game time and goal-scoring chances to make history.
Will Nwaneri Make History?
⚽ Can Nwaneri break Owen and Rooney’s record before turning 18?
🔥 Should Arteta give him more minutes, or is the cautious approach the right one?
💬 Drop your predictions in the comments below!
