Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s “very special” victory after his young side overcame Brighton 2-0 to book their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals. The night belonged to Arsenal’s academy, as several teenagers seized their moment under the Emirates lights.
Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman made history as the youngest player ever to start for a Premier League club in any competition, aged just 15 years and 302 days. Alongside him, 17-year-old Andre Harrison-Annous made his senior debut, showing maturity beyond his years.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, another academy product, provided a superb assist for Ethan Nwaneri’s opening goal before Bukayo Saka secured the result with a second. The clean sheet extended Arsenal’s remarkable defensive run, making them the first English top-flight team ever to win six matches in a single month without conceding a goal.
“A very special evening to be fair, very happy for various reasons,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “We made ten changes and played players that never played together. To give two huge debuts for Max and Andre and see them deliver like that is something unique.”
The Arsenal manager was also quick to praise Nwaneri, whose finish reflected the growing confidence of the young forward. “He is going to get more chances and when he does, he has to take them. He took his goal really well,” Arteta said.
Arsenal’s win sets up a quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace, who demolished Liverpool 3-0. Yet beyond the result, this was a statement of faith in the club’s future. With teenagers dictating the rhythm and veterans guiding them through, it was an evening that encapsulated the blend of patience, promise, and precision that defines Arteta’s project.
