Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared what's impressed him most about teenager Andre Harriman-Annous after the Hale End graduate's senior debut against Brighton on Wednesday.
The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 11 in all competitions whilst booking a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after their victory over Brighton.
Arsenal's unbeaten run in all competitions since defeat to Liverpool
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Goals from fellow youngster Ethan Nwaneri and star winger Bukayo Saka handed Arsenal a routine win at the Emirates Stadium, despite summer signing Kepa Arrizabalaga being forced into a string of early saves to deny the Seagulls, who threatened to break through first.
The headlines initially belonged to Max Dowman, after the 15-year-old became Arsenal's youngest ever starter.
Max-Dowman-Arsenal
Dowman showed flashes of brilliance on the right-hand side in place of Saka and the injured Noni Madueke, who's believed to be making "faster-than-expected" progress in his recovery from a knee injury.
However, once the teenager was hauled off Saka, and Harriman-Annouss replaced Declan Rice, attention turned towards the latest in a long queue of star-studded talents from the Hale End production line.
Harriman-Annous, who bagged 18 goals in 37 games for the Under-21s last season, has been a regular in first-team training at London Colney with Arteta taking note.
The England Under-18 international can feel hard done by that he didn't mark his first senior appearance for the club with a goal too, having watched Jason Steele save his one-v-one effort before Saka dispatched the rebound.
Arteta shares what's impressed him about Harriman-Annous after Arsenal debut
It was a night to remember for Harriman-Annous, with Arteta explaining in a post-match press conference why he finally gave the youngster a chance to shine at N5.
Arteta-Arsenal
Arsenal's boss explains that Harriman-Annous has impressed him with a fierce mentality and work ethic behind-the-scenes, with the versatile centre-forward desperate to make an impact.
"Since pre-season when he was with us, I was very impressed with him," Arteta said.
"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 and 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."
Arsenal supporters have plenty of reasons to feel excited about Harriman-Annous after his debut against Brighton.
Stepping onto the pitch in a high-stakes cup match is no small feat, and the teen showed glimpses of the potential that has impressed coaches throughout his development.
His composure and confidence stood out. He demonstrated good technical skills and an understanding of the game that belies his age. For a young player making his first senior appearance, showing such calmness under pressure is a promising sign of future growth.
Harriman-Annous made the bench against Liverpool in August, and if he continues to seize his opportunities like he did against Brighton, it's only a matter of time before he makes his first Premier League outing.