In a match that brought out not only the good things of their squad but also the promising future of their academy. A young and inexperienced Gunners team left no doubt about their caliber by winning 2-0 at home against Brighton & Hove Albion. Thus moving to Carabao Cup quarter-finals. The Arsenal Emirates practically celebrated the duo of Nwaneri and Saka’s goals as the team continued with its superb performance.
Match Breakdown and Historic Lineup
Manager Mikel Arteta introduced ten new faces to the team. That had won in the Premier League only a few days ago. He gave a chance to a plethora of young talents of Gunners. The most vivid was the 15-year-old Max Dowman. He made the history of Arsenal as the youngest player in the club. Moreover, he had started a competitive match at the age of 15 years and 302 days. He had been accompanied by 17 year old Andre Harriman-Annous who became the 924 th player to represent the club.
The Seagulls created better chances most especially in the first half. However, the goalkeeper at Arsenal’s goal post Kepa made it difficult for them to score with his knowledgeable saves. Hence, the equal score line persisted. The turning point was the 57th minute when a splendid team work led to the first goal. Mikel Merino opened the door with a fantastic back heel pass to Myles Lewis-Skelly. He returned the ball to academy mate Ethan Nwaneri who scored.
Youth Shines and Arsenal Progress
The entry of Bukayo Saka at the 71 st minute gave a new life to the Arsenal attack. Five minutes later he increased the lead once again since, without any rush, he was able to change the rebound after the shot by Harriman-Annous had been defended. The objective ran a victory which was founded on the efforts of the young members of the Gunners.
Author’s Opinion
The win is the eighth in a row of the Arsenal and the sixth clean sheet scored in a row, which proves the good defensive structure of the club. Arsenal, in the quarter-finals, will have to play Crystal Palace at home, in a repeat of the same victory of last year with Arsenal winning the quarter-final match by a similar margin. The match will take place the following week beginning in December 15.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
