Arsenal reach Carabao Cup quarters as 15-year-old Dowman starts

Arsenal progressed to the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory over Brighton at the Emirates on Wednesday, a night marked by 15-year-old Max Dowman becoming the club’s youngest ever starter. Ethan Nwaneri opened the scoring early in the second half and Bukayo Saka added a late second as Mikel Arteta’s rotated side moved into the last eight.

Nwaneri’s goal arrived in the 57th minute after a flowing move that began with a backheel from Mikel Merino and a run down the left by Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old finished clinically, slotting across the goalkeeper to give Arsenal the lead. Saka sealed the win in the final quarter when he converted the rebound after substitute Andre Harriman-Annous’s effort was blocked.

Dowman, aged 15 years and 302 days, started on the right wing and produced a lively full debut. He repeatedly troubled Brighton’s defence with direct dribbling and won a number of duels and fouls, earning a standing ovation and a hug from Arteta when substituted with about 20 minutes remaining. The selection broke the previous Arsenal record for youngest starter, set last season by Jack Porter.

Arteta praised Dowman’s composure and technical quality after...