Arsenal’s Nwaneri makes Champions League appearance in unusual circumstances

Over the weekend, Ethan Nwaneri made his first Bundesliga appearance for Borussia Dortmund from the bench, coming on after just 32 minutes following an injury to Filippo Mane.

The Arsenal loanee played 58 minutes of that match, and he was ultimately involved in the winning goal when his cross was turned into the net by Hoffenheim defender Albian Hajdari for 3-2.

In an unusual coincidence, Nwaneri then made his Champions League Dortmund debut in almost exactly the same way on Tuesday.

Once again, Nwaneri was initially named on the bench against Villarreal. Once again, the Arsenal loanee was introduced during the first-half, this time after an injury to Konstantinos Karetsas. Once again, the match finished 3-2 to Dortmund.

Dortmund even benefitted from a Villarreal own goal, just as they did against Hoffenheim. Though in this case it was for their opening goal, rather than for their winner.

Nwaneri didn’t complete the match on this occasion, coming off in the 82nd minute. It obviously wasn’t the plan to have him so heavily involved so soon, racking up 113 minutes in two games where he was only meant to be a substitute.

But it was a good performance from the midfielder, and Dortmund’s injuries surely make it increasingly likely that Nwaneri earns a starting spot sooner rather than later.

Dortmund were one of a few teams in action on Tuesday night that Arsenal will face later in the League Phase.

Real Madrid were another, and they one 2-1 in a rather unconvincing display against Inter Milan. Arsenal will also face both Lille and Real Betis later in the tournament, and Betis played out a 3-2 win away to Lille’s 10 men.

So with the exception of Lille, all of Arsenal’s future opponents got off to winning starts. The Gunners will hope to do the same on Wednesday night.