Arsenal and Chelsea fans alike had their eyes glued to the action in Aktobe on September 8, 2025, as England’s under-21s kicked off their European Championship qualifying campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Kazakhstan. The match, managed by Lee Carsley, wasn’t just a routine win—it offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future of two of London’s biggest clubs, thanks to standout performances by Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens.
For Arsenal, the spotlight shone brightest on Ethan Nwaneri, the 18-year-old midfielder who’s been making waves both domestically and internationally. Nwaneri was handed the coveted number ten role for the Young Lions, flanked by the likes of Jamie Gittens and Tyler Dibling. From the opening whistle, Nwaneri played with a maturity beyond his years, orchestrating attacks and dictating the pace in midfield. His efforts paid off in the 18th minute, when he broke the deadlock with a powerful finish—setting England on their way and further cementing his reputation as one to watch.
Nwaneri’s performance didn’t go unnoticed. He was deservedly awarded Player of the Match, adding another feather to his cap after contributing to England under-21s’ European Championship triumph earlier in the summer. The Arsenal youngster’s display was a reminder of why the club moved swiftly to secure his long-term future. Having signed a new contract in the off-season, Nwaneri has committed to being Martin Odegaard’s understudy at the Emirates—a move that’s now looking more astute by the week.
Arsenal’s reliance on Odegaard’s creativity has been well documented, but last season exposed the risks of putting all their eggs in one basket. The Norwegian captain struggled to recapture his best form after a serious ankle injury, and the Gunners’ results suffered as a result. Determined to avoid a repeat, technical director Andrea Berta acted decisively in the summer transfer window, bringing in Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace for a hefty £67.5 million. Eze’s arrival was meant to ease the creative burden on Odegaard, but Nwaneri’s rise means the competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield is fiercer than ever.
While Nwaneri’s game isn’t a carbon copy of Odegaard’s, his ability to inject ingenuity and threat in the final third is undeniable. Observers have described him as ‘special,’ and his recent performances suggest he’s starting to add more substance to his style. “He’s beginning to develop into a more well-rounded midfielder,” noted one analyst, highlighting his increased involvement in build-up play and improved defensive contributions. The flashy skills that once defined his game are now complemented by a metronomic presence in possession and a willingness to put in the hard yards defensively.
For Odegaard, the message is clear: step up or risk being left behind. The Norwegian has long been a nailed-on starter under Mikel Arteta, but with Eze and Nwaneri both knocking on the door, his place in the side is no longer guaranteed. The pressure is on for Arsenal’s captain to recapture his best form and fend off the new wave of challengers.
Across London, Chelsea supporters were also keeping close tabs on the England under-21s, particularly the performance of Jamie Gittens. The 21-year-old left-winger only joined the Blues this summer from Borussia Dortmund, but he’s already feeling the heat at Stamford Bridge. Gittens has found himself in and out of Enzo Maresca’s starting XI in the early weeks of the Premier League season, and the competition for places has only intensified with the arrival of Alejandro Garnacho.
Monday’s international break offered Gittens a valuable opportunity to impress, and he made the most of his 71 minutes on the pitch against Kazakhstan. While he didn’t register a goal or assist, Gittens showcased his trademark acceleration and directness, leaving fans and pundits divided on his overall impact. Chelsea’s fanbase on social media was split down the middle: “Gittens is so so good,” raved one supporter, while another was less convinced, claiming, “This Gittens guy is a downgrade to all wingers that left Chelsea, even at Under-21s, he can’t do anything.”
Despite the mixed reviews, Gittens’ underlying statistics tell a more encouraging story. He completed 49 touches, boasted a 90% pass accuracy (19/21), and won three fouls. His dribbling was particularly effective, with six successful take-ons out of eight attempts (75%), earning him a solid match rating of 7.2. Troy Deeney, a respected voice in English football, has high hopes for the youngster, saying, “He’s perfect for the Premier League, but he needs to improve his end product.”
That end product has been elusive for Gittens so far this season. In his first three Premier League appearances for Chelsea, he’s yet to notch a goal or assist—a statistic he’ll be eager to change when the Blues face local rivals Brentford on Saturday night. With the competition for the left wing heating up, especially now that Garnacho is in the mix, Gittens knows he’ll need to raise his game to secure a regular spot in Maresca’s plans.
For both Arsenal and Chelsea, the England under-21s’ victory in Kazakhstan was more than just a positive result—it was a showcase of the next generation’s potential and a glimpse into the selection headaches facing their respective managers. Lee Carsley, for his part, will be delighted with the blend of youth and experience at his disposal as England look to defend their European crown.
The international break may have provided a brief respite from the intensity of club football, but for players like Nwaneri and Gittens, it’s only ramped up the pressure. Both have shown they can shine on the big stage, but with fierce competition at club level, the battle for minutes is far from over. Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see if Nwaneri’s star continues to rise—and if Odegaard can respond to the challenge. Meanwhile, Chelsea supporters will hope Gittens can translate his flashes of brilliance into tangible contributions as the season unfolds.
As the dust settles on England’s promising start to their under-21 European qualifying campaign, all eyes turn back to the Premier League, where the fight for first-team football is as intense as ever. With young talents pushing established stars to new heights, the coming weeks promise plenty of drama—and perhaps a few surprises—both at the Emirates and Stamford Bridge.
