Ethan Nwaneri earned the Player of the Match title during Arsenal’s 2-1 comeback victory over Girona on matchday 8 of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Nwaneri’s impressive goal was pivotal in leading Arsenal from behind to secure the win, marking their final match in the Champions League group stage. At just 17 years and 314 days old, he became the second youngest English player to score in the UEFA Champions League, following Jude Bellingham, who was 17 years and 289 days old at the time he scored against Manchester City in April 2021. Arsenal initially fell behind due to Arnaut Danjuma’s first-time goal, but they leveled the score just 10 minutes later when Jorginho converted a penalty after Thomas Partey was fouled in the box. Nwaneri, in his first start in the Champions League, delivered a spectacular moment by cutting inside onto his left foot and curling the ball into the bottom corner. Arsenal could have increased their advantage later in the match; however, Raheem Sterling’s penalty attempt was saved by Pau Lopez. With this result, Arsenal concluded the Champions League group stage in third place and will proceed to the round of 16.
