GABRIEL JESUS knows a young star when he sees one — and has vowed to help Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri reach the top.
The Brazilian watched two of the Prem’s best — Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — come through the ranks at Manchester City.
And he hopes his Gunners team-mate, 17, is on the same route right to the top.
Nwaneri gave yet another glimpse of his special talent by scoring a beauty in Arsenal’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win at Preston on Wednesday.
Jesus says the playmaker may have to be patient, just like Foden was at the Etihad — but is excited to see how far he can go.
He said: “I have been with some very special youngsters, like Phil and Cole — and also James McAtee at City, he is also very good.
“So to see Ethan in training and in the game is good, because I am a fan of football.
“So when I see someone young with this quality, I am happy and then obviously I want him to grow, grow, grow.
“Then if he needs something from me personally, I am here to help him because I am 27.”
Gunners starlet Nwaneri rewrote history as the Premier League’s youngest ever player at the age of 15 and 181 days -smashing the previous record held by Harvey Elliott, who was 16 years and 30 days old.
And at 17 years and 223 days, he became the youngest Arsenal player to score on his first two starts for the club — eclipsing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s previous mark of 18 years and 44 days.
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Boss Mikel Arteta believes he is ready to play more regularly — but he also has a huge array of talent to choose from.
Jesus says the youngster should look no further than last season’s PFA Player of the Year Foden for inspiration if he gets frustrated at the wait.
He said: “I saw people like Phil waiting for his chance and then now, look at Phil. He is one of the best players in the world.
“So I hope Ethan keeps his toes on the grass, works, and then it’s a question of time for him to shine.”
The wonder strike from the young Londoner overshadowed a good night for Jesus, who ended a 274-day goal drought by opening the scoring in the 3-0 Deepdale victory.
The £45million forward admits that is not good enough — but insists there are reasons behind his long wait.
He added: “It looks a long time — nine months, I understand. But people need to understand I am starting less, I am playing less.
“Last season I had a few issues with injuries and stuff that people don’t understand.
“But I am not here to make excuses. I know I am the type of player, with my quality, that has to be there and score more. I want to and I am working really hard to get there.”
When he does get his opportunities, Jesus has vowed to try his luck more often.
He said: “Now I am more focused on goals. Now I am more focused to shoot.
“What has changed for me now is I try to look for the goal.
“It’s good to be back scoring and I want to keep scoring when I have my chance.
“I am here to work, try to be fit and, when I get my chance, enjoy playing football and try to help the team win.”
ARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.
The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.
Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.
Tommy Setford – 6
A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-time
William Saliba – 7
Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.
Jakub Kiwior – 8
Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.
Jorginho – 7
Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.
Mikel Merino – 7
A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.
Ethan Nwaneri – 9
Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.
The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.
Raheem Sterling – 7
The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.
Subs
Thomas Partey – 6
Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.
Kai Havertz – 8
Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.
Bukayo Saka – 6
More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.
Ayden Heaven – 6
Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.
