‘It feels so good’ – English-Nigerian star Ethan Nwaneri thrilled after goal in Arsenal’s Cup win

Ethan Nwaneri expressed his delight after scoring his first goal of the season to help Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 and advance to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals.

The 18-year-old, who has Nigerian roots, was among several academy products fielded by Mikel Arteta in a heavily rotated side that impressed at the Emirates Stadium.

Nwaneri struck in the second half before Bukayo Saka sealed the victory to extend Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions.

“I think we played very well. There were loads of different players playing. It’s a completely new 11, so I think we came together,” Nwaneri said.

“There were times when we struggled a bit, but I think in the end we did very well and came through with the result.”

Nwaneri’s goal came from a smart assist by fellow youth prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly, with both showcasing the promise of Arsenal’s Hale End academy.

“Myles and I, from a young age, have always had a good connection,” he said.

“He just sensed me there, and I had the instinct that the far post was free. So I’m happy to get a goal.”

Arteta also handed starts to teenagers Max Dowman, who became Arsenal’s youngest ever starter at 15, and Andre Harriman-Annous, as the Gunners’ depth again proved crucial.

Brighton created early chances through Georginio Rutter and Stefanos Tzimas but failed to take them.

Arsenal punished that wastefulness after the break when Lewis-Skelly’s cutback found Nwaneri, who swept in confidently from close range.

Saka later doubled the advantage, pouncing on a rebound after Harriman-Annous’s shot was saved, to ensure safe passage into the last eight.

“It’s always nice to score at Emirates Stadium, it feels so good,” Nwaneri added.

“I think it gives us good momentum going into the Premier League and Champions League.

“We’re just trying to take each game as it comes and hope for something good.”

The result extended Arsenal’s run of clean sheets to six, underlining their growing consistency across all competitions.