It always felt like this was going to be a night for Max Dowman - and that it would take something special for anyone in an Arsenal shirt to upstage him.
Dowman made history against Brighton by becoming the youngest player ever to start a game for Arsenal, aged 15 years and 302 days.
What made it even more impressive was how comfortable the teenager looked on such a stage, causing Brighton’s defence plenty of problems throughout.
When Dowman came off with 20 minutes to go, he was rightly given a standing ovation by the Emirates crowd - and a huge hug from Mikel Arteta.
This was Dowman’s night, but it was nonetheless an important one for Ethan Nwaneri.
The 18-year-old has found minutes hard to come by this season, and this was just his second start.
The arrival of Eberechi Eze has increased the competition for places in midfield, even with Martin Odegaard out injured.
Nwaneri responded in the perfect way against Brighton, scoring the opening goal in this 2-0 win and delivering a composed, confident display.
Chances may be limited this season, given Arsenal’s depth, and Nwaneri knows he cannot afford to waste any opportunity.
“He’s going to have those chances and when he has, he needs to make the most out of it,” said Arteta.
“I think he took the goal really, really well. He had some actions, some of them, they weren’t that effective.
“But what I liked is that he kept trying and making risks and he didn’t change that behaviour and determination to make things happen and at the end, he got rewarded with a brilliant goal.”
Bukayo Saka sealed the win late on, but Nwaneri’s strike was the highlight of the night.
It came from a brilliant, flowing move that flew in the face of those who claim Arsenal are just a set-piece team.
A delightful back-heel from Mikel Merino released Myles Lewis-Skelly down the left flank, and the 19-year-old showed great awareness to pick out Nwaneri.
The pair came through Arsenal’s academy together and their understanding was clear, with Nwaneri coolly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
“Myles and I, from a young age, have always had a good connection,” said Nwaneri. “He just sensed me there and I had the instinct that the far post was free. So I’m happy to get a goal.”
Before scoring, Nwaneri had a mixed first half. He enjoyed bright moments, but his end product was lacking.
As Arteta pointed out, he kept going. He kept taking risks. His persistence was rewarded, and it served as a reminder of Nwaneri’s value to this squad.
Even as a teenager, Nwaneri plays with boldness.
He is not afraid to shoot or attempt the difficult pass. They may not always come off, but in tight games he has the spark to unlock a defence.
Last season, he scored nine goals in all competitions - an impressive return in his breakthrough year.
The challenge now is to build on that, which will not be easy in a squad packed with talent.
It is not hard to see how Nwaneri could become the forgotten man, especially once Odegaard returns, but he has a role to play.
His display against Brighton proved that - particularly his link-up with Eze in the second half, which was full of promise.
Arsenal have in the past struggled for creativity and goals. Nwaneri can help solve that problem, even in a squad as strong as this one.
