Arsenal pass Brighton test to reach quarter-finals

Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka scored as Arsenal booked their spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Mikel Arteta gave 15-year-old Arsenal prodigy Max Dowman his first start for the club as well as handing Andre Harriman-Annous , an old man in comparison at 17, his debut.

Brighton were looking to get back on track after their defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday and certainly had their chances.

Indeed, Stéfanos Tzímas really should have made it 1-0 when he was through on goal against Kepa Arrizabalaga after Carlos Baleba's ball but the Greek forward fluffed his lines.

Arsenal didn't put up too much of a threat until they eventually took the lead in the 57th minute.

There have been complaints against the Gunners this season for their reliance on set-pieces but this was a beautifully-worked open play goal.

Arteta's side were patient as they knocked it around before a fantastic flick from Mikel Merino freed Miles Lewis-Skelly who pulled the ball back for Ethan Nwaneri to finish off a lovely move.

With 71 minutes gone in the game, Arsenal brought on Bukayo Saka who got the goal that put the game beyond doubt just five minutes after coming on to the pitch.

Jason Steele had done well to deny the initial effort by Harriman-Annous but Saka was the quickest to react, finding himself some room to then have an easy finish that made it 2-0.

Brighton posed threats at times but ultimately the North London side were good value for their win and they progressed to the quarter-finals.