Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Brighton with goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka, setting up a Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Crystal Palace on a proud night for the academy.
On the night Max Dowman became Arsenal’s youngest ever starter at 15 years and 302 days old, Nwaneri headed home from a pass from fellow Hale End graduate Miles Lewis-Skelly.
Manager Mikel Arteta also handed a starting role to 17-year-old striker Andre Harriman-Anus, who contributed to the second goal after his one-on-one shot was saved by Brighton’s Jason Steele, but was brought down safe by Academy defender Saka.
The victory marked Arsenal’s eighth straight win and sixth consecutive clean sheet, but things might have been different had the visitors taken more chances in the first half.
Georginio Rutter was denied by Kepa, one of Arsenal’s 10 substitutes on the night, Stefanos Tzimas fired another big chance wide and Jan Paul van Hecke and Sharalampos Kostouras also missed clear chances from close range.
Brighton ended the match with 18 shots against Arsenal, the most since the opening day of the season against Manchester United, but it was the hosts who were at the forefront.
Nwaneri’s goal worked well as Merino’s smart backheel off Lewis Skelly and a strong finish from Saka following a great run from Julian Timber put the result beyond doubt after being introduced in place of the impressive Dauman, who also excelled in a difficult first period for the home side.
The Gunners are aiming for their first silver medal under Arteta since winning the FA Cup in 2020, while Palace are waiting for a place in the last eight.
Spotlight: Saka and Nwaneri goals
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Ethan Nwaneri leads Arsenal to victory over Brighton
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Bukayo Saka adds second goal for Arsenal
Analysis: Dauman and Harriman Anas enjoy the night
After the final whistle, Dauman and Harriman-Annas were seen walking around the pitch arm in arm, while the two academy team-mates and friends were seen drinking the night away to celebrate everyone associated with the club’s Hale End Academy.
Dauman provided further evidence of his immense talent by becoming the youngest starter in club history. He was probably their best player before he left. His total nine dribble attempts were the most by an Arsenal player in a game all season.
It was his fourth appearance of the season, after cameos off the bench against Leeds, Liverpool and Port Vale, but it was all new to Harriman-Annas. Aside from being in the starting lineup, this was only the second time he had been selected for the matchday squad.
Although he was isolated at times in the first half, some of his link plays showed glimpses of his potential, and his role in the second goal gave him a moment to appreciate, even if it didn’t result in an assist. He celebrated by raising his fist toward the fans behind the goal.
Of course, it wasn’t just the Hale End boys who stood out in this game, with Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly combining to score the opening goal, Saka scoring the second and fellow former academy player Eberechi Eze also starting.
But they are the ones who remember it most fondly. It was an important night for them and another reminder of the bright future Arsenal are shaping at youth level.
Arteta enjoys a ‘special’ night
“It was a very special night and I was very happy for many reasons,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told a press conference.
“Obviously, we’re in the quarter-finals and we won against a really tough opponent. We made 10 changes and played players we’ve never played together, but it was two big debuts for Max and Andre.
“The feeling of giving someone a chance and making their dream come true is unique. I’m very happy that things went so well and we were able to win the match.”
Ethan Nwaneri celebrates after scoring the first goal
On Dauman’s reaction when he was told he would start: “A little smile, that’s what you get with him. Everything is natural to him, everything is fine with him. That’s his style of play.”
“I think that’s the secret, he doesn’t make a fuss about it and just does what he does best, which is play football, and play football with courage and determination.”
“Today he again showed incredible skill and the ability to outrun players at that level in the Premier League at the age of 15. This is definitely something special.”
On Harriman Anas: “I’ve been very impressed with him since pre-season when he was with us. First of all, his mentality, how much he wants it, that’s the first factor. He’s desperate to achieve his dreams.”
“I think he’s been very consistent, trained with us and always gave us the option to pick him. I think today was the right day for him, the circumstances, the way he played. He definitely proved he has a chance.”
Hürzeler regrets missing out on Brighton’s chance
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler said in a press conference: “If we take all our chances, we can progress to the next round.”
“The important thing is to score and defend the goal. We were unable to score and defend the goal in the most important action.
“It was Arsenal’s first shot on goal and we didn’t save it well. If you can’t score and keep a clean sheet, you can’t win.”
“Every goal gives us confidence, but I don’t think it was the reason we lost. We had good chances in the second half.
“We worked hard and we want to score goals and that gives the team confidence. We didn’t do that and we were able to give the players the right support to do better next time.”
