Mikel Arteta makes two bold decisions for Arsenal vs Brighton

Mikel Arteta has made two bold decisions for Arsenal's Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Brighton this evening.

The Gunners boss has opted to start youngsters Max Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous, handing the pair their full debuts for the first team. The former has previously appeared for the senior side while this will be Harriman-Annous' first experience of first team football.

While the Hale End duo are certainly talented, there is no denying Arteta has made an incredibly bold decision by starting the pair, especially considering his hopes of going on and winning the competition this season.

Max Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous start for Arsenal

Both Dowman and Harriman-Annous have spent time around the first team in the opening months of this campaign with the former already making three senior appearances.

This is a huge step up for the duo though as they are set to get their first serious taste of senior football on the competitive front.

Dowman has looked impressive when appearing for Arsenal, winning a penalty after coming on to make his debut in a 5-0 win over Leeds. He also put in a solid showing as a subsitute in the last round of the Carabao Cup away to Port Vale.

Harriman-Annous has been a regular feature in attack for the Gunners' Under-21 side so far this campaign, scoring three goals in 11 appearances.

At 15 years and 302 days old, Dowman becomes Arsenal's youngest ever starter, breaking the record set by fellow academy star Jack Porter, who started in a 5-1 win over Bolton in last season's Carabao Cup.

It's certainly a special moment for the pair, but there is no denying this is a bold decision by Arteta. The Spaniard expressed his desire to win this competition in the build-up to the meeting with Brighton, but opting to start two academy players could be a risk to that dream.

However, it does show how much faith he has in the Gunners youth, having previously been questioned if he had blocked the pathway from the academy to the first team due to his rare use of youngsters.

Arteta has taken a risk and made a bold choice in starting Dowman and Harriman-Annous, but if it pays off, it will be a brilliant night to remember for the pair, their teammates, families and fans.