Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri scored as Arsenal progressed into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Saka sealed the victory late on and Arsenal were worthy winners, improving after Brighton shaded the first half.
Dowman dazzles on historic night
And, watching the winger in action, it really is hard to comprehend that he is only 15 years old.
The teenager became the youngest player in Arsenal’s history to start a first-team game and, on this evidence, it will be the first of many.
Dowman, especially in the first half, was the Gunners’ best attacking player. He repeatedly went at his opposite man and Maxim De Cuyper would have been happy to see him go off with 20 minutes to go, if it wasn’t for the fact that Saka replaced him.
Dowman got a standing ovation and a huge hug from Arteta as he was substituted after a night that will live long in the memory.
This was a good night for Arsenal and, in particular, their academy staff at Hale End.
There will have been immense pride at seeing Dowman shine and Andre Harriman-Annous leading the line solidly on his debut.
The fact that Nwaneri and Saka got the goals was the icing on the cake, and underlined how Arsenal’s production line of talent is alive and well.
Nwaneri will have been delighted with his goal, as he has found minutes hard to come by this season.
Before tonight, the 18-year-old had started just one game this season – and that is despite Martin Odegaard being injured.
The arrival of Eberechi Eze has made competition for places greater for Nwaneri, however he got his chance against Brighton.
Starting as a right No8, the teenager did well and he actually combined nicely with Eze.
Nwaneri’s goal came after a slick move down the left that included a delightful backheel from Mikel Merino. Fittingly, the assist came from another Hale End graduate in Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Kepa keeps clean sheet run going
This season is now 14 games old and, incredibly, Arsenal’s clean sheet tally already stands at 11.
Kepa is now responsible for two of those and he looks to be an astute signing for the Gunners.
A back-up goalkeeper costing £5million was the least eye-catching move of Arsenal’s summer spending spree, but it seems like very smart business.
Kepa was one of Arsenal’s better performers here, making a number of good saves – especially in the first half.
His distribution was not at the level of David Raya’s, and he was guilty of the odd shaky pass, but that should not detract from a solid display.
For Arteta, it should give him comfort that if, anything were to happen to Raya, then Arsenal have suitable cover.
Neto did not look up to the standard last season, and his appearances were limited, but Kepa deserves to keep his place for any cup run.
#learned #Arsenal #win #Max #Dowman #history
