Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has handed a first-team debut to 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Annous in the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Brighton and Hove Albion
Andre Harriman-Annous
Andre Harriman-Annous has caught Mikel Arteta's eye in training(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta has made a somewhat unexpected decision for Arsenal's Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Brighton and Hove Albion, with 17 year old Andre Harriman-Annous in the starting XI. The Gunners boss often fields a strong team in cup competitions, with the exception of young talents such as Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal triumphed over League One side Port Vale in the last round to reach this stage, with Arteta selecting a robust team. Given the packed schedule ahead and several injury concerns that have arisen this past weekend, it seems he is taking precautions.
This is underscored by Harriman-Annous making his first competitive appearance for the senior team, with Dowman and Nwaneri also starting. Arsenal fans are familiar with the latter two but not so much with Harriman-Annous. That being said, here is everything you need to know about Andre Harriman-Annous, reports Football London.
Joining the club's youth academy back in 2016, Harriman-Annous has been representing Arsenal for nearly a decade. He signed professional terms this past summer and has mostly played for the under-21s since then - with three goals and one assist to his name thus far.
He does have some experience of a senior matchday squad having been an unused substitute for the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League back in August. His first outing with the first team came on Arsenal's pre-season tour when he played 14 minutes of the 3-2 win over Newcastle United.
Before this, he had a remarkable season at the youth level, scoring 18 goals in 37 appearances, including crucial goals in the FA Youth Cup against Fulham and the UEFA Youth League against Paris Saint-Germain. Arteta was clearly taken with his performance, as he chose to include Harriman-Annous in first-team training back in February.
Andre Harriman-Annous
Andre Harriman-Annous has been named in the Arsenal starting XI against Brighton
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The Gunners' attacking injury crisis made him a potential option, although he did not make it into a matchday squad last season. The young player is certainly aware of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of elite sport, being the cousin of England national rugby union captain Mario Itoje. Brandon, Harriman-Annous' brother, currently plays for National League South team Berkhamsted.
Starting for the Arsenal first-team at Emirates Stadium is a massive opportunity for Harriman-Annous, and he will undoubtedly be looking to seize it, especially with Kai Havertz expected to return from injury soon.
It's also a milestone day for Dowman, who at 15 years and 302 days old, will become the youngest player to start for Arsenal.
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