Arsenal sets new defensive record after victory over Brighton

Bukayo Saka celebrates his goal with Mikel Merino / Photo: Reuters/Hannah Mckay

On Oct. 29, Arsenal shut out Brighton in the fourth round of the English Football League (EFL) Cup, allowing the Gunners to set an all-time record in English football, Opta reported.

English Football League Cup

Fourth round, Oct. 29

Arsenal vs. Brighton & Hove Albion: 2-0

Goals: Ethan Nwaneri 57’, Bukayo Saka 76’

According to Opta, Arsenal became the first club in England’s top division to win all six matches played without conceding a single goal.

Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka stood out with their goals. Brighton created several good chances, but goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga kept a clean sheet.

Along with yesterday’s successful match against Brighton, Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace (1-0), Fulham (1-0), and West Ham (2-0) in the Premier League in October. The team coached by Mikel Arteta also beat Olympiacos (2-0) and Atlético (4-0) in the Champions League.

Moreover, another record was set yesterday. Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman, at 15 years and 302 days old, became the youngest player ever to start for a Premier League club in any competition, according to Opta.

Max Dowman in the match against Brighton / Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

«He just does what he does best, which is to play football. To play football with a lot of courage and determination and today again, he has shown some incredible skill, some capacity to run past players at that level in the Premier League at 15. It’s definitely something special,» the BBC cited Arteta as saying, commenting on Dowman’s performance.

In the EFL Cup quarter-finals, Arsenal will face Crystal Palace, which earlier eliminated Liverpool. The match is scheduled for Dec. 17.