'What a night!' - Harriman-Annous reacts after full debut for boyhood club Arsenal

England U18 international of Nigerian descent Andre Harriman-Annous has expressed his pride after making his full debut for his boyhood club Arsenal in their Carabao Cup fourth round victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Hale End Academy graduate was handed a starting role and featured for 77 minutes as the Gunners ran out 2–0 winners to seal their place in the quarterfinals of the competition.

Harriman-Annous, 17, was involved in first-team training during pre-season ahead of the 2024–2025 campaign and earned his first senior call-up when he was included in the Premier League matchday squad for the trip to Anfield at the end of August.

Although the young forward did not get on the scoresheet against Brighton, he impressed with his composure, intelligent link-up play, and energetic pressing throughout the encounter.

Before Wednesday's clash, Harriman-Annous had already caught the eye by scoring in his two previous outings against senior opposition - MK Dons and Newport County in the EFL Trophy.

It was a particularly special occasion for the teenager, who has progressed through every level of Arsenal's academy to make his senior debut, a moment he described as a 'dream come true'.

Taking to Instagram after the game, Harriman-Annous wrote:: "What a night! A dream come true to start for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and a proud moment for me and my family to have made my competitive debut for this amazing club.

"Thanks to God for the opportunity that he has given me. Forever grateful for this opportunity and happy to be in the next round."

At 17 years and 305 days, Harriman-Annous became the second-youngest Nigeria-eligible player to start a competitive match for Arsenal, only behind Ethan Nwaneri (17 years and 188 days).

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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