ArsenaL 7 PSV 1: Nwaneri becomes third-youngest scorer in UCL knockout stage

Arsenal’s teenage prodigy, Ethan Nwaneri, made Champions League history on Wednesday night, becoming the third-youngest player to score in a knockout stage match as the Gunners cruised to a 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in their last-16 clash.

The 17-year-old academy graduate found the net with a first-time finish from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s cross, registering Arsenal’s second goal of the night. This marked his eighth goal in what has been a breakout season under Mikel Arteta.

With key players sidelined due to injuries, Nwaneri has stepped up impressively, delivering another crucial performance.

At 17 years and 348 days, Nwaneri ranks behind only Bojan Krkic (17 years, 217 days) and Jude Bellingham (17 years, 289 days) as the youngest players to score in a Champions League knockout match.

He also surpasses Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, who netted at 17 years and 363 days.

His inclusion in Arsenal’s starting XI made him just the third English player to start a Champions League knockout fixture before turning 18, joining an elite group that includes Bellingham and Phil Foden.

In a historic moment, Nwaneri’s goal—set up by fellow Hale End graduate Lewis-Skelly—marked the first time two English teenagers had combined for a goal in Champions League history.

Arsenal’s dominant display leaves them on the brink of a quarter-final showdown with either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid. Captain Martin Ødegaard lauded the club’s rising stars, emphasizing their impact on the team’s success.