Ethan Nwaneri has certainly showcased his quality and potential at Arsenal this season.

Making 18 appearances in all competitions, the 17-year-old has started the Gunners' past two games and been one of the side's better players in the absence of Bukayo Saka on the right wing. Nwaneri put Arsenal ahead in the 16th minute against Brighton on Saturday after collecting Mikel Merino’s pass around 40 yards from goal and running unchallenged before calmly slotting under Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

The England under-19 international came off at half-time, though, with a muscular issue and Arsenal could only come away with a draw after Joao Pedro equalised from the penalty spot in the second half. Despite the disappointing result, Nwaneri's performance was a positive with the teenager taking his tally for the season to five goals.

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Having opened his account against Nottingham Forest in November, Nwaneri became only the sixth player to score more than one Premier League goal before his 18th birthday after Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Danny Cadamarteri, James Milner and Federico Macheda. Midfielder Thomas Partey, who has witnessed Nwaneri's rise, has challenged the prospect to keep improving.

Speaking to Arsenal's official website, Partey said: “He’s a very good player and we know the qualities he has. He’s working a lot and he’s improving. I’m really happy for him today for scoring.

"It could have been better if we’d have won today but we could not get the win. He needs to keep improving and all the best to him."

With Arsenal now six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, attention now turns to the Carabao Cup. The Gunners welcome Newcastle to Emirates Stadium for the semi-final first leg on Tuesday and it's unclear at this stage if Nwaneri will be fit.

After coming off at half-time against Brighton, Arteta said of the teenager: "Yeah, he felt some muscular issue." Everyone associated with the Gunners will be hoping Nwaneri is not sidelined for a lengthy period as Arsenal prepare to play seven more fixtures this month.