Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman impressing for the Gunners as they progressed to the quarter-finals
21:55, 29 Oct 2025Updated 22:01, 29 Oct 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring their 2nd goal during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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Bukayo Saka sealed Arsenal's place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
Arsenal booked their Carabao Cup quarter-final spot with a 2-0 win over Brighton at the Emirates.
But it was Kepa Arrizabalaga who was the man of in form during the early stages of the match, facing more threats in the first 20 minutes than David Raya has had to deal with in his last three league games.
Max Dowman was a sight to behold on the right, and seemed to be on the verge of winning a penalty after the break, but appeared to take a tumble too easily. It was his Hale End teammate Ethan Nwaneri who found the back of the net, thanks to an assist from Myles Lewis-Skelly following a stunning piece of skill from Mikel Merino.
Bukayo Saka clinched the game, capitalising on a rebounded effort from 17-year-old debutant Andre Harriman-Annous that was unfortunately saved.
Here, the Daily Star Sport rates the Arsenal players:.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Made a fantastic one-on-one save within the first ten minutes from Georginio Rutter to prevent an early Brighton goal. He was solid throughout the match and proved to be a great substitute for David Raya. 8.
Ben White – His distribution in the first half was his standout quality, which he used to spread the play and find Dowman. A strong return to the starting eleven without any noticeable errors. 6.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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Ethan Nwaneri set the Gunners on their way to victory(Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
Cristhian Mosquera – The Spaniard's recovery speed is simply remarkable. He made a superb sliding challenge on Tzimas to prevent a shot on goal, then outdid himself with an even better last-ditch challenge on Tzimas at the start of the second half. 8.
Piero Hincapie – He made an excellent recovery challenge in the first half to thwart a Brighton counterattack. His full-back skills were on display with a superb overlapping run from a free-kick, setting up Merino for a chance. 8.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Earned Arsenal a free-kick in a prime position after outpacing Diego Coppola, his speed and determination proving, as always, a real asset. It was he who connected with his Hale End graduate teammate Nwaneri for the goal that broke the deadlock. 7.
Christian Norgaard – Showed good early work disrupting play centrally, once managing to find Max Dowman in the box after reading the game well. However, as the match progressed, the Dane was exposed and caught out several times, adding a touch of vulnerability to the middle – perhaps not too surprising given his lack of game time. 5.
Mikel Merino – Had an early opportunity that soared high over the Brighton net and then a flicked back-heel shot easily saved. Yet it would be a similar skill used in the build-up to slice open the Brighton defence leading to Nwaneri's goal. 6.
Ethan Nwaneri – Delivered a fantastic threaded pass through to Merino early for the Gunners' first chance. Low shot to Jason Steele's feet after good work from Eze. Struck brilliantly to give the Gunners the lead following an excellent move by the team. 8.
Max Dowman – Immediately won over fans with his deft control and footwork, outfoxing Olivier Boscogli with some slick moves. Appeared to have won a penalty early in the second half but was judged to have gone down too easily. All in all, a sparkling performance that will be etched in the memories of those lucky enough to witness his first Arsenal start. 8.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal , right, celebrates with teammate Mikel Merino after scoring his side's second goal during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Saka continued his return to fitness(Image: Harry Murphy - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Andre Harriman-Annous – A towering presence up front in his debut for the club. Attempted to find Eze in the box with a cross that was intercepted. Had an opportunity to score one-on-one but saw it saved, only for Bukayo Saka to net the rebound. 6.
Eberechi Eze – Regularly jeered by the home crowd due to his Crystal Palace ties. Had a subdued first half but gradually found his rhythm, nearly connecting with Nwaneri in the box with a clever pass early in the second half. Provided a solid senior influence for the younger players around him. 7.
Substitutes:
Bukayo Saka – Came on, scored, clinched the game - that's Bukayo Saka for you. 7.
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Gabriel – Stepping in for the outstanding Hincapie, the Brazilian helped Arsenal secure the victory. 6.
Jurrien Timber – Replacing Ben White, the Dutch international also put in a strong defensive performance, helping to seal the win. 6.
Declan Rice – Entered the fray in midfield, pushing Merino up to centre-forward. Nearly found Saka with a dream pass that was just intercepted. 6.
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Leandro Trossard – A substitution that riled the Brighton fans who had just booed off Eberechi Eze and then jeered the former Seagulls winger as he came on late in the game. He came close to scoring, hitting the post late on. 6.