Copyright yardbarker
On October 29 at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal defeated Brighton 2-0, thanks to goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka. Despite making 10 changes, the Gunners secured the victory they craved, and now move on to the quarter-finals, where they will face Crystal Palace in another home tie. At the post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta reflected on his team’s win, while praising two of his players who contributed to the win. Arsenal Defeat Brighton 2-0 to Reach Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals Mikel Arteta Praises Key Performers When Mikel Arteta named his starting XI, Arsenal fans saw 10 changes to the team from the weekend, with 15-year-old Max Dowman starting alongside several other squad players. Dowman, starting aged 15 years and 302 days, ensured he claimed the record of the youngster Arsenal starter. A record that was held by fellow academy graduate Jack Porter, who started last season at age 16. The inexperienced Gunners team had to withstand pressure during the match, with Kepa Arrizabalaga making some smart saves to keep the score level. Goals from Saka and Nwaneri ensured the young Gunners side secured a deserved win. A win and a clean sheet with all these changes understandably pleased Arteta, who reflected on the team’s success in the post-match presser. Mikel Arteta Praises Kepa and Nwaneri Reflecting on the team’s win, Arteta said: “A very special evening for obvious reasons. We made ten changes. We played players that have never played together. Two debuts for Max and Andrea. That feeling is unique.” A clean sheet with 10 changes is an added bonus and just shows how well Arteta has his squad prepared defensively. Kepa started the game in goal, and was praised by the Gunners boss: “He was really good today and I’m not surprised, I said it a few days ago, the way he behaves, trains, the way he’s connected to the team at all times, he’s going to prepare him for those moments and today, certainly he was ready,” said Arteta. Ethan Nwaneri got on the scoresheet, and received praise from his manager: “Really good. He came on the other day as well and he’s going to have those chances and when he has, he needs to make the most out of it. I think he took the goal really, really well. “He had some actions, some of them, they weren’t that effective. But what I liked is that he kept trying and making risks and he didn’t change that behaviour and determination to make things happen and at the end, he got rewarded with a brilliant goal.” Arsenal will be back in action next, facing Burnley at Turf Moor on November 1.
