William Saliba and Declan Rice react on social media as teenage Arsenal star makes debut for club in EFL Cup win against Brighton

Several senior Arsenal stars replied to Andre Harriman-Annous’ post on social media, celebrating his debut for the senior team. Manager Mikel Arteta named two Hale End players in the starting XI for their Carabao Cup Fourth Round clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, October 29.

Harriman-Annous, along with Max Dowman, was handed his debut start for the senior team against the Seagulls. The former spent 77 minutes on the pitch and was quite impressive, as the Gunners saw off Brighton in a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.

After the match, Harriman-Annous took to social media to express his excitement about making his ‘competitive debut’ for the senior team. He wrote:

“What a night! A dream come true to start for Arsenal in the Carabao cup and a proud moment for me and my family to have made my competitive debut for this amazing club. Thanks to GOD for the opportunity that he has given me. Forever grateful for this opportunity and happy to be in the next round. ❤️”

A few Arsenal players, including past and present, took to the comments to praise and congratulate the youngster. Declan Rice commented:

“Congrats brother,” followed by a love emoji.

William Saliba surprisingly wrote:

“Rashford,” accompanied by two smiling-face with heart-eyes emojis.

Some other senior players who commented are Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Gabriel Magalhaes. Former Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere also heaped praise on the 17-year-old.

Mikel Arteta ‘impressed’ with Harriman-Annous’s performance during debut for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta spoke glowingly of Harriman-Annous’ performance after handing him his first-team debut. The young forward plays for Arsenal’s U18 and starred across all levels of the club’s academy last season, scoring 18 goals in 37 games.

Arteta hailed Harriman-Annous’ mentality, saying he showed the desire to play in the senior team. The Gunners boss told reporters:

“Well, since pre-season when he was with us, I was very impressed with him. First of all, his mentality, how much he wants it. That's the first ingredient. He's desperate to achieve his dream. I think he's been very consistent, training with us and constantly giving us the option to pick him. I believe today was the right day for him, for the context, for the way he's playing as well. He certainly proved that he's got a chance.”

Harriman-Annous joined club’s academy in 2016 and will hope to be granted more opportunities to play in the senior team.