**Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he has been planning to give Andre Harriman-Annous a chance in the first team for quite some time.**
The 17-year-old was given a full debut during the [**2-0 win over Brighton**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-player-ratings-brighton/) in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, and asked why he chose to start him, Arteta replied:
“Since pre-season, when he was with us, I was very impressed with him. First of all, his mentality, how much he wants it. That’s the first ingredient. He’s desperate to achieve his dream.”
“I think he’s been very consistent, training with us & constantly giving us the option to pick him. I believe today was the right day for him, for the context, for the way he’s playing as well. He certainly proved that he’s got a chance.”
Harriman-Annous didn’t even make the bench in the last round
------------------------------------------------------------
The fact that the striker was named in the starting lineup was all the more surprising, considering there hadn’t really been any hints that it would happen in the weeks/months leading up to the game.
For the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Port Vale last month, Harriman-Annous did not even make the matchday squad. He has only been named on the bench for a senior match once this season.
The teenager was an unused substitute for the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield at the end of August.
The Arsenal striker has impressed for the Under-21s
---------------------------------------------------
As well as catching the eye in pre-season, Harriman-Annous has also made an impact at Under 21 level. He bagged a brace against Wolves in Premier League 2 last month.
Just a few days later, the forward scored his first goal against senior opposition, finding the back of the net against Newport County during a 2-1 win in the EFL Trophy. He scored a spot-kick after winning the penalty himself.
[**Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-first-team-squad/)