Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been criticised for refusing to hand Ethan Nwaneri more minutes after he was named on the bench in Wednesday night's Champions League 3-0 win over Club Brugge. Fans made their feelings clear on social media, with some even suggesting Nwaneri would be within his rights to seek a move away.

The Gunners boss made five changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Aston Villa with a new-look forward line starting in Belgium. Viktor Gyokeres replaced Mikel Merino at centre-forward, with Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke coming in for Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.

Despite the changes in attack, Arteta decided against using Nwaneri. The 18-year-old has started just three games this season, two in the EFL Cup and one in the Champions League.

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He was named on the bench for the trip to Brugge, and the decision left many in the Arsenal fanbase questioning why he had not been handed a rare start. Venting their questions on X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote: "When is Ethan Nwaneri gonna play if you won't play him in a game like this?"

Another added: "Trying to work out what this manager is planning with Ethan Nwaneri. He's not playing him in the odd game, despite the ongoing injury crisis, tight game-states where we end up dropping points anyway, and rate of games he [Arteta] complains about."

"Ethan Nwaneri will definitely force a move away from the club in January and I think he will be justified to do so," one frustrated fan added. "There’s no need for Merino and Zubimendi to start this game tonight, but we all know how cowed Mikel Arteta is when it comes to rotating the players."

Arsenal have Nwaneri in their long-term plans and do not expect to lose the teenager, though some reports earlier this year suggested he could leave the club on loan if the right offer comes in in January.

Nwaneri committed himself to the club by signing a new contract in north London in the summer after doubts emerged about his place in the Arsenal team. The academy product has featured just 10 times across all competitions, playing less than 500 minutes.

At the end of last month, Nwaneri was one of several players to take part in a behind-closed-doors friendly alongside Gabriel Jesus, who made his return from injury in Belgium.

He did come on against Club Brugge in the 70th minute, with the Gunners 3-0 up. The teenager looked lively in his 20-minute cameo, going close on numerous occasions and forcing the Brugge keeper into good saves.

Noni Madueke netted two goals either side of half-time before Gabriel Martinelli curled in a superb third to seal the points for the Gunners.

The appearance was his 50th for the club and his first minutes since he came off the bench in the 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the second half. When he came off the bench, fans on social media urged him to show Arteta what he is capable of.

"Finally, Nwaneri is on. Ethan, show the gaffer what you're about, lad," one wrote. "Would love a Nwaneri goal, show the boss what he's forgetting."

Despite some anger directed towards Arteta, it was a great night for him and his side as they all but secured their automatic qualification to the next stage of the Champions League.

Arsenal remain top with six victories from six, three points clear of second-place Bayern and six of Atletico Madrid, who hold the last automatic qualifiction spot in eighth.

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