Nwaneri’s goal in the first half was his second in the league this season.

It made him the sixth player to score multiple Premier League goals before turning 18 after Wayne Rooney (seven), Michael Owen (five), Danny Cadamarteri (three), James Milner (three) and Federico Macheda (two).

He was booked just before half-time for taking too long over a corner – and replaced at the break by Gabriel Martinelli because of injury.

“Really bad news because I think we’ve lost him,” said Arteta afterwards.

“We had to take him off at half-time with some muscular issues.”

The England Under-19 international has been deputising for the injured Bukayo Saka on the right wing.

“What a good replacement Nwaneri is for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill – the pace, body shape, and the lovely left foot he has got,” said Upson on BBC Radio 5 Live after the teenager blasted Arsenal into the lead.

Arsenal’s failure to collect maximum points means Liverpool have the chance to go eight points clear at the top on Sunday if they beat Manchester United.

“It’s not the moment to think too much about the title,” said Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori. “We need to focus on ourselves.”

Redknapp added: “If Liverpool win tomorrow it opens it up for them. I have said there will be twists and turns, but if Arsenal keep performing like this there won’t be twists and turns.

“Arsenal have the same points as last season at this stage, but they are not playing well yet. They haven’t got Saka and they struggle to open a team up at this moment. The game is hard for them at this moment.”

Arteta said: “In the second half we didn’t really grab the game or dominate enough to have certain moments and be more of a threat in their half.

“When you are playing every three days, or less than that, you cannot with the amount of injuries and situations maintain the level of performance and competitiveness. Today we lacked it in the second half.

“Today was not about fatigue. it was about the simple things that we have to do in ball possession to give chances and dominate the game in the right areas.”