Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup - where they will meet Crystal Palace - with a 2-0 home victory over Brighton on Wednesday night. The much-changed Gunners continued their superb run of form having notched up an eighth successive victory and sixth straight clean sheet in north London, with Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka both on target following a below-par first half.
Arsenal have now won 12 of their 14 matches across all competitions so far this season, conceding just three times in that span - and only once from open play. 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman made history against Brighton as the youngest player ever to start a first-team game for the club, with fellow academy star Andre Harriman-Annous selected for his maiden senior appearance as Deadline Day signing Piero Hincapie also made his full debut.
Mikel Arteta’s side now face back-to-back away trips to Burnley and Slavia Prague over the next week, with huge games against the likes of Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea also coming up in November. Follow Arsenal vs Brighton reaction live below, with expert analysis from Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Brighton highlights
- GOAL! Saka adds second off the bench
- GOAL! Nwaneri breaks deadlock in second half
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:42 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal worthy winners, in the end, after raising their level in the second half.
A good night for Hale End. Nwaneri and Saka on the scoresheet, with Dowman excellent on his full debut.
Arsenal are into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:42 , George FloodFull-time
The much-changed Gunners rally in the second half to seal their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
An eighth successive win across all competitions and yet another clean sheet.
Click here to follow the last-eight draw live
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:39 , George Flood96 mins: One final half-chance for Brighton, but a heavy deflection takes all the pace off Minteh’s hopeful drive that is held by Kepa.
Arsenal break at pace and Wieffer makes a vital interception inside the box.
A last-gasp Gunners corner is whipped in from the left, but Brighton clear and the final whistle sounds.
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:35 , George Flood93 mins: Almost the icing on the cake for Arsenal deep into stoppage time as Trossard’s low strike cannons into the base of the post.
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:34 , George Flood90 mins: Five minutes of added time have been signalled.
Can Brighton find a goal to set up a grandstand finish at the Emirates?
It doesn’t look likely with miserly Arsenal closing in on yet another clean sheet.
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:31 , George Flood87 mins: A couple of volleyed attempts by Arsenal as they push for a late third goal, one blocked from Gabriel and Nwaneri’s then fired wide as he looks to double his tally.
Brighton look well-beaten now, despite an initially strong effort tonight.
Arteta has sent on Trossard against his former club.
Eze off.
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:30 , George Flood85 mins: Boscagli gives away a free-kick with a push on Merino, hoofing the ball away in protest and receiving a yellow card for his troubles.
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:29 , George FloodWhat a run from Timber to tee up the Gunners’ second.
An instant impact from super-sub Saka!
Bukayo Saka makes an instant impact! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/9djvqHx9p2
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 29, 2025
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:28 , George FloodA lovely team goal to open the scoring for Arsenal and a fine riposte to those who suggest that they are only capable of scoring from set-pieces...
That pass from Merino 😍
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 29, 2025
Ethan Nwaneri gives the Gunners the lead! pic.twitter.com/vOm2I1T3KT
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:24 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Up against three centre-backs, thought that was a pretty tireless and mature debut from Harriman-Annous. Gets a good ovation as he comes off.
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:24 , George Flood80 mins: Welbeck now comes on for Brighton against his former club.
He replaces defender Coppola as Hurzeler goes for it for the final 10 minutes with nothing to lose.
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:22 , George Flood78 mins: Harriman-Annous’ senior Arsenal debut is now over as he makes way for Rice.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Brighton | Bukayo Saka 76'
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:19 , George Flood76 mins: Arsenal with one foot firmly now planted in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals!
Saka takes a touch and coolly slots in the follow-up inside the box after a driving run from Timber and initial save from Steele to deny Harriman-Annous.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:17 , George Flood73 mins: Gabriel is straight into the thick of the action as he tries to turn an effort goalbound and Saka’s strike is then deflected into the side netting.
Nwaneri’s shot is then deflected behind for another corner, with Merino denied by Steele.
Gabriel causing plenty of chaos from set-pieces already.
Arsenal claim handball inside the box as they earn another corner, but that would have been very harsh.
No VAR tonight, remember.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:15 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Hincapie comes off. Thought he looked solid on his full debut. Yet more depth in Arsenal's defence.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:15 , George Flood70 mins: Arteta turns to the Arsenal bench for the first time tonight.
Gabriel, Timber and Saka replace Hincapie, White and Dowman.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:13 , George Flood69 mins: A huge chance for Brighton after Mosquera’s slip lets in Watson, who feeds Ayari for an effort that is blocked by Hincapie.
Should be 1-1!
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:11 , George Flood67 mins: Wieffer, Minteh and Watson are all on for Brighton.
Off go De Cuyper, Gomez and Rutter.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:10 , George Flood64 mins: Brighton are back in control at the moment with pressure building on Arsenal as they look to maintain their lead.
More changes are imminent from Hurzeler.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:04 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
What a goal that is. Set-piece FC? Maybe not.
Arsenal 1-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:04 , George Flood59 mins: Almost a quick-fire second from Eze as his bending effort is deflected narrowly wide of the far post.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Brighton | Ethan Nwaneri 57'
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:00 , George Flood57 mins: The Gunners break the deadlock just shy of the hour mark!
Nwaneri arrows nicely across Steele and into the far bottom corner to finish off a wonderful move started by Eze and featuring a gorgeous flick from Merino and smart Lewis-Skelly cutback.
What a goal!
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:58 , George Flood54 mins: Eze is starting to cause problems inside the Brighton box, though Nwaneri has to work harder than he would have liked with a heavy pass as his low shot is then held easily by Steele.
Good strength now shown in midfield by Baleba to contain Dowman.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:56 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
£13m up front for Mosquera. Looks more of a bargain every passing week.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:55 , George Flood52 mins: Here come Brighton again as Kadioglu tries an ambitious first-time cross from the right that sails behind for a goal kick.
At the other end, Eze shows quick feet and a nice little flick into the path of Nwaneri, whose heavy touch sees the chance go begging.
Goal kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:53 , George Flood50 mins: Kepa is called into action for Arsenal once again as he beats away a hopeful drive from De Cuyper.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:52 , George Flood48 mins: Another warning for Arsenal as they are caught out and Mosquera makes a crucial challenge on Tzimas inside the box.
An entertaining start to this second period.
Replays show that referee Samuel Barrott was right to wave away that Dowman penalty appeal.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:50 , George Flood47 mins: A very bright start to the second half from Arsenal, with Dowman leading the charge.
He cuts in off the right along the byline and appeals for a penalty after a challenge by Boscagli.
The referee says no!
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:48 , George FloodBack underway at the Emirates.
One half-time change from Brighton, with Kostoulas’ full debut over after 45 minutes.
Ayari is on.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:47 , George FloodHow long until Mikel Arteta looks to his bench tonight?
It couldn’t really be much stronger...
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:38 , George FloodHalf-time
A lacklustre first half from much-changed Arsenal, despite the bright performance of the record-breaking Max Dowman on his first senior start.
They have yet to register a single shot on target, with all the best chances so far falling for Brighton.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:32 , George Flood45 mins: Just the one minute of added time signalled with Arsenal enjoying arguably their best spell of an under-par first half.
Eze, Merino and Dowman all asking questions as Brighton defend a corner and just about scramble clear.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:29 , George Flood42 mins: The tricky Dowman has been fouled plenty in this first half, the latest by De Cuyper.
He has also dished out some physicality of his own, barging into the back of Boscagli.
That will please Arteta, to see him fighting back.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:25 , George Flood38 mins: Van Hecke heads wide at the far post from a corner from point-blank range!
Should have scored.
Rutter had earlier played in Tzimas, with Mosquera making a committed challenge inside the box.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:24 , George FloodArsenal’s best performer so far tonight...
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:21 , George Flood35 mins: Straight into the wall by Eze, but he keeps the attack alive and Hincapie’s cutback is flicked on smartly by Merino.
However, Harriman-Annous can’t get on the end of it and Steele can gather gratefully.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:20 , George Flood33 mins: Much better from Arsenal as Lewis-Skelly takes down a lofted pass and cuts inside Coppola, who drags him down and receives the first yellow card of the evening.
Arsenal with a free-kick in a cracking position here, with Eze stepping up in Rice’s absence.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:18 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Dowman just looks so smooth on the ball. Arsenal's best player, so far, in what has been a disjointed 30 minutes.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:17 , George Flood30 mins: A painful clash of knees for Dowman as he cuts in brilliantly off the Arsenal right, moments after being stopped inside the box.
Promising stuff so far from the 15-year-old on his maiden Gunners start.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:16 , George Flood28 mins: The offside flag halts a promising Arsenal move after they win the ball back efficiently inside the Brighton half.
But here come the confident Seagulls again down the left channel, Lewis-Skelly doing enough to ensure that Kadioglu skews well wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:12 , George Flood24 mins: Danger for Arsenal as Kadioglu’s cross from the right is flicked on at the near post before bouncing over.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:09 , George Flood22 mins: Brighton continue to test Kepa from distance with a shoot-on-sight policy outside the 18-yard box.
Rutter with another low effort that skids off the surface before being comfortably held by the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Boos for former Crystal Palace star Eze from the travelling Brighton fans behind the goal as he earns Arsenal a corner that is thumped away by Rutter at the near post.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:07 , George Flood20 mins: An important clearing header inside Brighton’s six-yard box after a dangerous cross from White on the right.
Arsenal go back to reset but Lewis-Skelly is knocked off the ball too easily by Rutter as he tries to produce a bit of eye-catching skill.
Mosquera also concedes a needless foul just inside the Brighton half, but Kadioglu can’t take down a diagonal free-kick out to the right flank.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:04 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Brighton are playing it around nicely at the back and Arsenal are finding it hard to work out how to press them.
De Cuyper, Brighton's left wing-back, is so often free.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:04 , George Flood16 mins: Arsenal sling in a long throw-in from the right that Hincapie is unable to properly connect with at the front post and the ball trickles behind for a pressure-relieving Brighton goal kick.
At the other end, Baleba drives through the middle and looks for Kostoulas, but Kepa gets down bravely to snuff out the danger.
Arsenal’s much-changed defence are looking vulnerable as Brighton continue to run at them down the centre.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:01 , George Flood13 mins: Robust challenges go in on Dowman and Merino as Brighton look to set out an early statement at the Emirates.
Arsenal are starting to build some sustained pressure now, having lived dangerously early on.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:58 , George Flood12 mins: Another early effort from Brighton, this time Gomez pulling a skidding strike wide of the near post from range.
A diving Kepa looked to have that covered.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:57 , George Flood10 mins: This is really lively, end-to-end stuff early on at the Emirates, with Merino almost getting a real chance to put Arsenal ahead.
He is thwarted, just about.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:55 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
No signs, so far, of Dowman being overawed, at all. He just turned to the crowd and asked for more noise after that latest run.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:54 , George Flood9 mins: It should be 1-0 to Brighton inside the first 10 minutes at the Emirates as Kepa does very well to deny Rutter inside the box.
At the other end, Dowman wins a corner that is palmed away by Steele and Eze is denied a strike on goal.
Brighton counter-attack at pace through Rutter, who tees up Tzimas for a poor finish as the Greek frontman fires wide under pressure from Kepa.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:52 , George Flood6 mins: A relatively high-tempo start from both sides here, with plenty of hustle and bustle and challenges flying in.
The ball is being given away sloppily a lot, though.
Brighton striker Tzimas looks to connect with a dangerous through ball but is stopped in his tracks by the offside flag.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:49 , George Flood4 mins: Arsenal’s first chance of the evening is for stand-in skipper Merino, who lashes high and wide of Steele’s near post after being picked out by the positive Nwaneri.
Arsenal 0-0 Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:48 , George Flood2 mins: The first shot in anger comes for Baleba from distance for Brighton after being teed up by Kadioglu, but his skidding low effort is held low to his right by Kepa.
A couple of nice touches for Dowman early on, but some nervy moments in both defences with the ball given away cheaply.
Arsenal vs Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:46 , George FloodAfter the traditional pre-match airing of ‘North London Forever’, Brighton get us underway.
Arsenal are favourites to make it eight successive wins tonight, though Brighton have a strong recent record at the Emirates.
Here we go...
Here come the teams
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:43 , George FloodThe teams are out at the Emirates!
Both sides are wearing their familiar home strips tonight.
Samuel Barrott is tonight’s referee.
A reminder there is no VAR in use in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Senior Arsenal debut for Harriman-Annous
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:40 , George FloodFor all the inevitable focus on the record-breaking Max Dowman, what a stage too tonight for his fellow teenager.
A first senior Arsenal appearance of any kind for 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Annous.
Hurzeler explains Brighton changes
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:29 , George FloodAnd here’s Mikel Arteta’s counterpart Fabian Hurzeler on the reasoning behind his six changes for Brighton.
“First of all, I think we have a big squad,” he said.
“Everyone deserves to play and the players who are on the pitch today, they trained well and they played well in the last weeks.
“They deserve to play, so there was a change. We also try to adapt to the opponent.
“I think regarding Arsenal, maybe the best team at the moment in the league.
“Of course we need to adjust small things. These are the main things, plus we have some injuries that we need to act on.
“We have some players we need to replace, so we have reasons to make these changes.”
Arteta: Tonight is the right opportunity for Dowman
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:24 , George FloodHere’s what Mikel Arteta had to say to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off tonight when asked about including Max Dowman from the off.
“I think it was expected, he’s been around now for a few months with us,” he said.
“We believe it is the right opportunity, surrounded by very much senior players.
“We are hoping he can cope with that in the way he has done it in the last few months.”
What a night in store for Max Dowman...
15 - Arsenal's Max Dowman is the youngest player to start a match for a Premier League side in all competitions (15 years, 302 days), and the first player to do so before the age of 16. Opportunity. pic.twitter.com/wZP1Pp1RZJ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 29, 2025
Max Dowman breaks another Arsenal record
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:11 , George FloodHere’s more from Standard Sport’s Simon Collings on another record-breaking night for Max Dowman at the Emirates...
🗣️ "Dowman becomes the youngest-ever starter for Arsenal amid a great show of faith in Harriman-Annous."@sr_collings reacts to that Gunners team news at the Emirates
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) October 29, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/ZaSLVARQ0A#ARSBHA | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/MwMImCbO7z
Six Brighton changes from Old Trafford
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:02 , George FloodFabian Hurzeler, meanwhile, makes six changes to the Brighton team beaten 4-2 by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
Jan Paul van Hecke, Maxim De Cuyper, Ferdi Kadioglu, Carlos Baleba and Georginio Rutter all keep their places.
Jason Steele captains the team as he replaces Bart Verbruggen in goal.
It looks like three at the back for the Seagulls, with Kadioglu and De Cuyper operating as wing-backs.
A big night ahead for Greek duo Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas in attack, the former of whom makes his full debut after scoring at the weekend.
Danny Welbeck is on the bench on his return to the Emirates.
There’s no Verbruggen at all, with Nils Ramming joining fellow youngsters Joe Knight and Freddie Simmonds as a substitute.
Arteta springs surprise as Harriman-Annous makes first Arsenal start
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:55 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
10 changes from Arteta, one more than at Port Vale in the last round.
A surprise to see Harriman-Annous start for the first time. What a night for him.
10 Arsenal changes as teenagers Dowman and Harriman-Annous start
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:53 , George FloodSo 10 changes from Mikel Arteta to the Arsenal team that started Sunday’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, with match-winner Eberechi Eze the only man to keep his place.
The headline news is starts for 15-year-old Max Dowman and 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Annous.
There is a full debut for Piero Hincapie at the back and Mikel Merino wears the captain’s armband.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are all fit enough to be named on a very strong-looking bench.
Brighton lineup
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:46 , George FloodBrighton XI: Steele, Van Hecke, Coppola, Boscagli, Kadioglu, Baleba, Gomez, De Cuyper, Rutter, Kostoulas, Tzimas
Subs: Ramming, Dunk, Minteh, Watson, Welbeck, Ayari, Wieffer, Knight, Simmonds
Arsenal lineup
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:32 , George FloodArsenal XI: Kepa, White, Hincapie, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Eze, Dowman, Harriman-Annous
Subs: Raya, Gabriel, Saka, Timber, Gyokeres, Trossard, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice
Travel issues impact Brighton fans
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:26 , George FloodThe away end at the Emirates tonight might be looking a little sparse due to issues on the trains.
A nice gesture has been offered by Brighton to those supporters who have been unable to travel to north London as planned.
We’re aware that major disruption on the main Brighton-London train line may prevent Albion fans from getting to tonight’s Carabao Cup tie.
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 29, 2025
If you’re unable to travel but want to join us in The Terrace instead, simply head to the Amex and show your Arsenal digital ticket. 💙🤍…
Arteta excited to unleash Arsenal ‘warrior’ Hincapie
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:22 , George FloodIt is a running joke among Arsenal fans that Mikel Arteta has an obsession with left-footed defenders, writes Simon Collings.
Pablo Mari was his first signing as Arsenal manager and since then Arteta has brought in a left-footed defender in all but one of his six summer transfer windows.
In fact, of the 30 outfield players Arteta has signed since taking charge in 2019, seven have been left-footed defenders.
A few years ago, academy staff were even encouraged to develop players in that role - which is why Ayden Heaven was moved from midfield to defence.
The latest left-footed defender through the door is Piero Hincapie, who joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen on transfer deadline day in the summer.
Predicted Arsenal lineup
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:12 , George FloodOfficial teams from the Emirates are coming up very shortly, but here’s how Standard Sport’s Simon Collings sees Arsenal lining up this evening.
It would be eight changes from Mikel Arteta to the side that squeezed past stubborn Crystal Palace 1-0 at home in the Premier League on Sunday, thanks to an acrobatic first-half winner from summer signing Eberechi Eze against his former club.
In this team, Eze, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard would be the only players to retain their starting berths, with a full debut for Deadline Day signing Piero Hincapie.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Norgaard, Eze; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Stage is set
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:01 , George FloodThe calm before the storm at the Emirates, where Arsenal have won all but one of their seven matches across all competitions so far this term and have yet to taste defeat.
Erling Haaland is the only opposition player to score at this stadium so far this season, in last month’s hard-fought 1-1 draw with title rivals Manchester City.
That is still the only goal that Arsenal have conceded from open play this term, and one of only three they have shipped in total in 13 matches across all competitions, home and away.
Truly remarkable stuff.
Arteta hopes Arsenal secure Dowman's long-term future
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:48 , George FloodArsenal sealed scholarship terms with Max Dowman only last week and are aiming to pre-agree a first professional contract for when he turns 17, which is not until December 2026.
"That's what we all want and I think what he wants as well, after that it is more for Andrea (Berta, sporting director) and the club," Mikel Arteta said yesterday,
"But the feeling that I have is that genuinely he loves it here.
“He is a huge Arsenal supporter and his family are really happy with the way things are developing around him as well.
"Hopefully for many years he will be with us. Everything that I hear from the player and the family has been very positive."
Arteta: I'd have to be blind not to play Dowman
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:40 , George FloodMikel Arteta was very interesting on Max Dowman’s development yesterday as he aims for more minutes in the Carabao Cup for Arsenal tonight.
Arteta said he would never normally rush such a young player into first-team action, but admits he would have to be “blind” to ignore Dowman’s significant talent.
“If we looked at his passport every day we would never play him, simple as that," the Gunners boss said of the 15-year-old wonderkid at his pre-match press conference.
"But when you look at what he does in training you have to play him - if not you are blind, or I'm blind.
"So it is finding a balance, an understanding, especially the load, the things that are changing in his life, and make sure he can cope with that. So far he has done that.
"He is 15 years old, still growing, a lot of things we have to make sure are under control to make sure he develops in the way he can do."
Arsenal vs Brighton prediction
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:31 , George FloodIt may not always be easy on the eye, but Arsenal are about as efficient as it gets right now.
Set-piece masters who have still conceded only three goals all season and just one from open play, they are grinding out wins domestically and taking advantage of crisis-stricken Liverpool’s repeated slip-ups.
It will be intriguing to see if a presumably heavily-rotated team can produce a similar performance as Mikel Arteta takes advantage of his new-found depth, with Brighton capable of beating anyone on their day despite an inconsistent start to the season under Fabian Hurzeler.
Arsenal to win, 2-0.
Brighton team news
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:28 , George FloodBrighton have added veteran midfielder James Milner to their list of absentees with a minor issue sustained during Saturday’s dramatic 4-2 loss at Manchester United in the Premier League.
Kaoru Mitoma, Joel Veltman and Brajan Gruda aren’t yet ready to return.
They are still sidelined, along with long-term Seagulls absentees Adam Webster, Solly March and Jack Hinshelwood.
Arsenal team news
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:25 , George FloodMikel Arteta is expected to make widespread changes to his Arsenal team tonight, as he did at Port Vale in round three.
That should mean further chances to impress for the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, with 15-year-old Max Dowman also likely in line for more minutes.
William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have both been ruled out, though Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were all passed fit to feature if required after recent injury scares and illness.
Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all remain sidelined.
How to watch Arsenal vs Brighton
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:19 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game will be televised live on Sky Sports+, with coverage beginning at 7:45pm GMT.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Arsenal vs Brighton live
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:16 , George FloodGood evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Arsenal vs Brighton in the Carabao Cup last 16.
A quarter-final berth is up for grabs as the in-form - and likely much-changed - Gunners aim to notch up an eighth successive victory across all competitions against a Brighton team who have been inconsistent in the Premier League so far this term but hit both Oxford and Barnsley for six in this competition.
Kick-off in north London tonight is at 7:45pm GMT, so stay tuned for match build-up, breaking team news and live updates, including expert analysis from Arsenal correspondent Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium.
