ARSENAL picked up a decisIve 2-0 win over Brighton at the Emirates to move to move to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup
And the Gunners did it in style with manager Mikel Arteta making 10 changes to his side.
Arteta handed Arsenal academy graduates Max Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous their first ever starts in the senior squad.
And Dowman made history with a stunning performance as the youngest player to start a match for a Premier League side across all competitions at 15 years and 302 days.
Here’s how Kostas Lianos rates each Arsenal ace after the game against Brighton:
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
An easy afternoon for Kepa Arrizabalaga as he didn’t really have to worry about much. Made a big save to deny Georginio Rutter.
Ben White – 6
Arsenal’s defence was quite disappointing against Brighton, but Ben White was very reliable down the right wing.
Cristhian Mosquera – 5
Should count his lucky stars Stefanos Tzimas didn’t open the scoring early in the first half but his shot just missed the target during a lethal Brighton counter-attack. Cristhian Mosquera also got dispossessed in the second half but was saved by Piero Hincapie.
Saved Christian Norgaard’s blushes when he denied Tzimas from a promising position with a massive block.
Piero Hincapie – 5
Was also to blame for that dangerous Brighton counter that could have seen Tzimas breaking the deadlock. But Hincapie saved fellow centre-back Mosquera after his mistake by blocking a dangerous shot by Yasin Ayari.
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Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Seriously struggled in the first half against Ferdi kadioglu, who dispossessed him at the back, and Georginio Rutter, who almost scored because of Myles Lewis-Skelly leaving him unmarked.
Made up with his assist for Ethan Nwaneri’s goal.
Mikel Merino – 7
A solid performance in midfield, especially in the second half. Most of Arsenal’s winner goes down to Mikel Merino and his brilliant back heel to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who then provided the assist.
Christian Norgaard – 5
Recklessly gave the ball away at the back and set up Tzimas for a very promising goalscoring opportunity but was spared his blushes by Mosquera’s timely challenge.
Ethan Nwaneri – 7
Not his best performance, especially in the first half where he was quite absent. Much better in the second where he scored a huge goal from a difficult angle.
Max Dowman – 8
A stunning performance from the history-making teenager. Max Dowman caused all sorts of problems down the right wing.
Incredible dribbling, passing and movement from the 15-year-old who withstood tremendous punishment from Brighton’s marking. With hard work, continued development and faith from manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal may have their own answer to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal…
Andre Harriman-Annous – 6
An impressive senior debut for the academy graduate, even though he was overshadowed by fellow wonderkid Max Dowman. Did well down the left wing by abiding well to Arteta’s plan.
Eberechi Eze – 7
Much livelier performance in the second half with some lethal runs, accurate passing and dangerous shooting.
Subs:
Jurrien Timber (on for Ben White, 70′) –
Absolutely reliable as always, had an immediate impact with a stunning sprint in Brighton’s box. Jurrien Timber’s shot was blocked but it set up Bukayo Saka for the second.
Gabriel Magalhaes (on for Piero Hincapie, 70′) –
Had to come on after an unreliable performance by Mosquera and Hincapie at the back. Gabriel Magalhaes’ introduction practically secured qualification to the next round.
Bukayo Saka (on for Max Dowman, 70′) –
Had an immediate impact with a fast goal that put the tie to bed. The perfect impact player Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was looking for.
Declan Rice (on for Andre Harriman-Annous, 77′) –
Declan Rice immediately improved Arsenal’s midfield upon his introduction by reinstating some security and calmness. Rice and Martin Zubimeni’s position in the middle of the park is guaranteed after today’s match.
Leandro Trossard (on for Eberechi Eze, 84′) – 6
Only played about six minutes but left his mark by hitting the post with a powerful shot during stoppage time.
