Arsenal academy starlet Charlie Patino has labelled his goal-scoring debut against Sunderland as the best day of his life.
The 18-year-old was handed his Arsenal bow on Tuesday evening in the Gunners’ 5-1 thumping of League One side Sunderland in the Carabao Cup.
He replaced Emile Smith Rowe in the closing stages of the game, with a palpable sense of excitement engulfing the Emirates Stadium, with the youngster having earned rave reviews for his performances for the Gunners’ academy sides.
That increased ten-fold late on as Patino was on hand to sweep home Nicolas Pepe’s low cross to get on the scoresheet on his debut.
Following the strike, the youngster took to Instagram to give his thoughts.
He wrote: “The best day of my life and an early Christmas present.
“Thanks to all the fans for their amazing support! What a night.”
Meanwhile, Patino also gave a valuable insight into the Arsenal dressing room after the final whistle as he shared a great moment with teammate Pepe.
Posting on his Instagram story, the youngster shared a video of him shaking hands with the Ivorian with the caption reading: “Thanks for the assist bro”.
Whilst it was a memorable night for Patino, fellow academy graduate Eddie Nketiah also enjoyed a profitable evening against the Black Cats by plundering a hat-trick, the first of his Arsenal career.
He now has ten goals in nine games in the Carabao Cup throughout his career and will of course be keen to add to that stunning record as the Gunners look forward to their semi-final assignment.
Arsenal will find out their opponents following the conclusion of the quarter-final match-ups on Wednesday evening.
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