'I thought he was joking' - Nwaneri reveals how he became emergency GK in Arsenal's win v Spurs U18s
'I thought he was joking' - Nwaneri reveals how he became emergency GK in Arsenal's win v Spurs U18s
Emerson Nwaneri has revealed how he unexpectedly became an emergency goalkeeper after two goalkeepers suffered injuries during Arsenal's 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the U18 Premier League.
With Jack Talbot and Maximiliano Lo Presti forced off, teammate Abraham Owusu-Gyasi jokingly suggested that Nwaneri should take over between the posts.
A midfielder by trade, Nwaneri revealed he was happy to accept the challenge, having previously gained some goalkeeping experience.
"After the goalies got injured unfortunately, Abraham was asking me and told me ‘you should go in goal," Nwaneri explained to Arsenal's official webpage.
"“I thought he was joking but I was fine with doing it because I know I’m quite good in goal.
"I played a bit at secondary school and I also did it last season for the under 16s in small-sided games with Michael Donaldson. Only in training, but I was used to it."
Emerson helped set up Arsenal's dramatic late winner with a long kick upfield, allowing Mylo Bernard to seal the victory with a superb strike into the top corner.
Eligible for Nigeria through his father, Obi Nwaneri, Emerson is the younger brother of Nigeria Football Federation target Ethan Nwaneri, who is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Emerson, who is a first year scholar, has caught the eye this season, registering three goals and two assists in ten appearances across all competitions for the Gunners youth teams.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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