Emerson Nwaneri becomes emergency goalkeeper in Arsenal win over Tottenham Hotspur

Emerson Nwaneri had to play in goal after both of Arsenal’s recognised goalkeepers were injured during a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the U18 Premier League.

Jack Talbot and Maximiliano Lo Presti were forced to leave the game, prompting teammate Abraham Owusu-Gyasi to suggest that midfielder Nwaneri should take over between the posts.

Nwaneri initially thought the suggestion was a joke but accepted the challenge, having previously played as a goalkeeper at school and in small-sided matches for Arsenal’s under-16s.

“After the goalies got injured unfortunately, Abraham was asking me and told me, ‘You should go in goal,’” Nwaneri told 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.”

The 16-year-old also played a part in Arsenal’s late winner, sending a long kick upfield which helped set up Mylo Bernard to secure victory with a strike into the top corner.

Nwaneri is primarily a midfielder and has impressed during his first year as a scholar. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in 10 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal’s youth teams this season.

He is eligible to represent Nigeria through his father, Obi Nwaneri.

Emerson is the younger brother of Ethan Nwaneri, who is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund and has been identified as a target by the Nigeria Football Federation.