Football Review | Arsenal 2 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion

Arsenal into the last-eight of the EFL Cup

Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka struck in the second half as a youthful Arsenal side overcame Brighton to secure their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

Author | DJ

Stadium | Emirates Stadium

Mikel Arteta made 10 changes from the team that beat Crystal Palace on Sunday, handing starts to 15-year-old Max Dowman, who became the youngest player ever to start for the club, and 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Annous.

It was two other academy graduates who combined to break the deadlock just before the hour. Mikel Merino found Myles Lewis-Skelly with a deft backheel and the young defender’s pull-back was swept into the far corner by Nwaneri.

Saka, introduced from the bench, sealed the victory late on when he pounced on the rebound from a Harriman-Annous effort and finished into an empty net.

Brighton had their moments earlier in the game. Georginio Rutter saw a fine chance denied by Kepa Arrizabalaga, while Stefanos Tzimas wasted a clear opportunity from close range after a swift counter-attack.

The win extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 11 matches and maintains their run of six consecutive clean sheets. They will host Crystal Palace in the last eight of the competition.

Best reaction from Arsenal fans

Liam: Arsenal’s youngsters rose to the occasion while Brighton struggled to create anything meaningful in attack. It might not have been the most spectacular display, but it was composed, disciplined and mature. Performances like this underline Arsenal’s progress and their growing appetite for trophies this season.

Sam: It was great to see so many young players involved. Arsenal really look to have a team built for the future.

Owen: Max Dowman looks a remarkable talent. Another clean sheet too, which speaks volumes about the team’s balance.

Noah: At this rate, Arsenal could soon field an entire side of academy players. Arteta deserves credit for developing so many youngsters while keeping the team competitive. It’s a smart long-term approach that will save the club plenty of money.

Ethan: This Arsenal team seem incapable of putting a foot wrong, regardless of who plays. Hopefully they can maintain this level throughout the season and finish strongly. From the way things are going, even a Treble doesn’t feel out of reach.