Arsenal’s Youth Shine in 2-0 Carabao Cup Win! 

Arsenal’s youth-powered side continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over Brighton to book a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.​

Mikel Arteta made sweeping changes from the Premier League, handing debuts and rare starts to several academy prospects, most notably 15-year-old winger Max Dowman, who became Arsenal’s youngest ever starter. The highly-rotated Gunners initially struggled, with Brighton dominating a first half that saw Arsenal keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga called into early action. Carlos Baleba and Georginio Rutter spurned good chances for the visitors, while Stefanos Tzimas failed to convert a pivotal opportunity when through on goal.​

After an unsettled start, Arsenal found their rhythm in the second half. On 57 minutes, Hale End academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri produced the breakthrough, steering in Myles Lewis-Skelly’s low cross to put the hosts ahead. Substitute Bukayo Saka, another product of Arsenal’s youth ranks, sealed the win 14 minutes from time by calmly converting a rebound after young striker Andre Harriman-Annous’s shot was blocked.​

Brighton ended the match with 18 attempts—more than any Arsenal opponent since Manchester United on the opening day—but Mikel Arteta’s reshuffled side remained resolute to record a sixth consecutive clean sheet. Leandro Trossard nearly extended the lead in stoppage time, rattling the woodwork as Arsenal coasted into the last eight.​

The night marked a memorable occasion for Arsenal’s young talents, with Max Dowman earning a standing ovation and Nwaneri reminding the Emirates of the club’s thriving academy. Arteta’s blend of promise and experience sees the Gunners extend their winning streak to eight matches in all competitions, fueling optimism for silverware as they head towards the business end of the Carabao Cup.​

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