EFL Trophy: 16yo Arsenal forward Annous sets club record after scoring against MK Dons

Talented Nigerian forward Andre Harriman-Annous continued his fine start to the 2024-2025 season with a goal for Arsenal's development squad in a 2-2 draw with MK Dons in an EFL Trophy clash held at Stadium MK on Tuesday evening.   

Three days after Harriman-Annous made his Premier League 2 debut off the bench in the north London derby versus Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal U21 coach Mehmet Ali handed a full debut to the first year scholar. 

Another Nigerian forward in Nathan Butler-Oyedeji led the Gunners attack, with Harriman-Annous and Ismeal Kabia occupying the flanks.

The League Two side took the lead in the 25th minute, thanks to Ellis Harrison who headed home a corner from Lewington.

MK Dons' lead lasted just four minutes as Harriman-Annous slotted in the rebound after Butler-Oyedeji's initial effort was saved.

According to Arsenal youth team expert, Jeorge Bird, Harriman-Annous set a club record with his goal against MK Dons.

Aged 16 years and 286 days today, he is the youngest ever player to score for Arsenal in the EFL Trophy since they started playing in the competition in 2018.

MK Dons regained the advantage in the 30th minute when Harrison curled the ball in at the far post, but Arsenal replied through Butler-Oyedeji in the 36th minute.

The second half produced no goals, so penalties were required to determine which team will take an additional point.

MK Dons beat the Gunners 3-1 in the shootout to take the additional point, with Michał Rosiak, Salah-Eddine and Harrison Dudziak missing from the spot for the Gunners. 

Harriman-Annous has now scored seven goals in seven all-competition appearances for Arsenal youth teams so far this season, comprising five goals in the U18 Premier League and one each in the UEFA Youth League and Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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