History and Depth
This Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion offered a crucial opportunity to rotate the squad following intense Premier League and Champions League fixtures. The night was historic before kick-off, as Max Dowman, aged just 15 years and 302 days, was named the club’s youngest-ever competitive starter, one of ten changes made by Mikel Arteta. The focus was firmly on maintaining momentum while testing the depth of the squad.
Mikel Arteta: "For us, every competition is important, and this match is about proving the depth and quality of this entire squad. Tonight is about trusting our young players, providing them with experience, and demanding the same level of focus and courage we show every week. We expect a beautiful evening."
Key Moments & Academy Breakthrough
Despite the wholesale changes, the match settled into a familiar pattern of Arsenal dominance, though Brighton started brightly, forcing home debutant Kepa Arrizabalaga into two early saves. However, as the first half progressed, the youthful Gunners grew into the game, with Max Dowman particularly impressing on the right wing.
The opening goal came in the 56th minute from a beautiful, flowing team move. A sensational backheel flick from Mikel Merino released Myles Lewis-Skelly down the left. Lewis-Skelly cut the ball back perfectly to Ethan Nwaneri, who fired a first-time effort low past goalkeeper Jason Steele to break the deadlock and register his first goal of the season.
Following the goal, the introduction of Bukayo Saka from the bench in the 71st minute added immediate impetus and quality. The substitute wasted no time, helping to secure the victory in the 76th minute. A powerful, lung-busting run from Jurrien Timber played in Harriman-Annous, who was denied a debut goal by Steele. However, the rebound fell to Saka, who clinically doubled the lead, securing the 2-0 scoreline.
Arsenal defended resolutely in the final minutes, ensuring a sixth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions.
Mikel Arteta was thrilled with the night's outcome, particularly the performance of the academy graduates and the clinical nature of the win.
Mikel Arteta: "It was a beautiful evening. We made history with Max [Dowman] starting, and then to see Ethan [Nwaneri] score such a crucial goal, and Bukayo finish it off—it shows that the culture of this club is alive. We defended resolutely, and the boys showed great maturity."
Ethan Nwaneri: The academy star was clearly delighted with his first goal of the season, emphasizing the collective effort.
The Man of the Match award goes to Ethan Nwaneri. At just 16 years old, his clinical finish was the crucial goal that broke down Brighton's resistance, perfectly rounding off a sensational team move and proving his growing quality at the senior level. His strike secured the win and progression to the quarter-finals, where Arsenal will face Crystal Palace at home.
The focus immediately shifts back to the Premier League as the Gunners prepare for a trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley on Saturday, November 1.
Image Credits: https://www.arsenal.com/news/best-photos-our-2-0-win-over-brighton