Arsenal secured their spot in the Caraboa Cup quarter finals with a 2-0 victory over Brighton at the Emirates stadium. Second half goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka saw the Gunners into the next round, Softfootball reports.
History was made as 15 year old Max Dowman, who recently signed a scholarship deal at Arsenal, was named the youngest ever player to start a competitive match. Another young talent was Andre-Harriman-Annous who was making his debut, becoming the 924th player to represent Arsenal. This achievement was posted on the Arsenal’s official X handle;
The Seagulls were active in attack and should have taken the lead in the first 10 minutes after Christian Norgaard carelessly lost possession in his own half, but the Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga rushed out to block Georginio Rutter’s shot.
From the counter that followed an Arsenal corner, Rutter set up Stefanos Tzimas, only for the striker to miss from close range.
The Gunners took the lead in the 57th minute of the second half after a slick team from that saw Myles Lewis-Skelly set up Ethan Nwaneri, who fired low past Brighton’s goalkeeper Jason Steele.
The breakthrough allowed the Gunners to control the game. To help maintain intensity, several substitution were made, with Bukayo Saka replacing Max Dowman in the 71st minute.
Saka made an immediate impact down the right flank. His corner was found Merino but Jason Steele saved at closed range.
A busting run from Jurrien Timber in the 76th minute allowed him to set up Harriman-Annous, who was looking to score his debut goal for the Gunner but was denied by Jason Steele leaving Bukayo Saka to double the lead.
Late in the game, Leandro Trossard nearly added a third for Arsenal but was denied as he struck the post. The victory marked Arsenal’s eight consecutive victory and sixth clean sheets in a row. They took to their official X handle to celebrate the victory as they shared:
Arsenal celebrated a historic night for their youth stars! Max Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous made their debuts, a moment the club shared on their official X handle:
Following this win, the Gunners now head to Turf Moor on Saturday, November 1 to take on Burnley in the Premier League.
