Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed what really happened to bring Ethan Nwaneri into the game for his second senior appearance.
The Gunners thrashed West Ham United 6-0 at the London Stadium on Sunday, with 16-year-old Nwaneri making a 15-minute cameo from the bench.
Arsenal fans have clamoured for the wonderkid to see more minutes since his debut as a 15-year against Brentford in September 2022 and gave the teenager a stunning reception.
Now, Arteta has told FourFourTwo that he was pressured into bringing the young midfielder into the fray – but not by fans...
"There's something that you have to have when you're in a team, and that's the trust of your team-mates," he said.
"I had two things: one, the players on the bench whispering, 'Bring Ethan on,' and two, when your team-mates want to give you the ball all the time.
"If they do that, they must really trust you and you can see how many times they gave him the ball from that. So a great sign."
Nwaneri, who has featured heavily for England at Under-16 and U-17 level, replaced Gabriel Martinelli with 77 minutes on the clock at the London Stadium.
The youngster, who was born in March 2007, saw much of the ball in his time on the pitch and Arsenal fans will be hoping to see more of him again soon.
More Arsenal stories
Arsenal have announced a groundbreaking new deal – which could help fund huge summer spending
Arsenal reportedly plot stunning swoop for Manchester United star
Gunners legend Ian Wright on the Gunners moment that 'broke' him - ‘Like ripping your heart out’
‘The fact he’s on a short deal doesn’t sit well. Gareth laid the foundations for players coming through. All Tuchel’s got to worry about is the here and now’: England hero lays out his issues with Thomas Tuchel appointment
‘England supporters are craving some success. If Tuchel can come in and finish the brilliant job Gareth Southgate started, nobody will care if he leaves’: Ex-Three Lions international gives his take on Thomas Tuchel's short-term deal
