Charlie Ashmore's Five Key Takeaways from Arsenal's League Cup victory over Brighton 

Arsenal reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after beating Brighton: Here's Charlie Ashmore's Five Key Takeaways 

1 - Well…..that was different

 Having got used to watching us control games and starve the opposition of space and opportunities this game felt like a throwback and all the more enjoyable for it.  The opening period was breathless with the visitors having by far the better opportunities. 

Actually the whole game was a cracking watch to be honest.  Brighton will feel a bit hard done by by the result but they didn't take their chances and when we took charge in the second half we did and scored a couple of lovely goals.

2 - The kids are more than alright

There's no doubt who the star of the show was.   

From his first touch of the ball to his last, Max Dowman showed the footballing world just what a talent his is.  His touch is exquisite and his fearless running at players was a joy to behold.   

But he was not alone on the pitch.  

Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri were expected starters, did start and again reinforced just what good players they are. 

Sure, there were mistakes – it was that sort of game – but their contributions are always positive – both are determined to play progressive football, looking to make things happen. 

They take risks in a way that I think we all sometimes feel the team as a while is reluctant to do.  They combined for a delightful first goal of course to set the seal on their performances.  And then there was the unexpected appearance of 17year-old Andre Harriman-Annous who was a willing runner throughout. 

Time and again in the first half he made runs off the back of the defence without being found (or even sought). 

On three occasions (I think) he was within inches of taking the ball of the keeper's toe.  And he nearly scored , forcing the keeper into a good save from which Bukayo Saka (another Hale End graduate, lest we forget) kept his head and made the game safe.

3 - Perfect rotation

This is the sort of night a manager loves. 

The team is bang in form, he makes 10 changes and the changed team delivers an (eventually) comfortable win. 

The sight of the subs warming up was hysterical as first teamer after first teamer got up to warm up. 

That is the reality of Arsenal 25-26.  Incomparable depth, enabling regulars to have a much needed rest and freshen up for the challenges to come – and, make no mistake, this coming week will be difficult with three away games each of which has the potential to be a banana skin.   

In terms of gearing up for that challenge this night was perfect.

4 - Appreciation for one of football's genuinely good guys

It first started when the Brighton subs started warming up. 

A ripple of applause began and built up as Danny Welbeck approached the North Bank/West Stand corner of the ground. 

That appreciation for the player was nice in itself but the noise when he came on and the singing of his name around the whole stadium was truly heartwarming. 

Who would have thought that a player who cut his teeth at United and is still probably best remembered for his time there would ever be such a loved figure at Arsenal? 

It is testament not just to his ability as a footballer but also to his character and personality. 

That he continues to score goals regularly at this level at his age is a genuine delight – there are too few examples in life of the good guys getting their just rewards and nobody can begrudge him his success.

5 - And finally…..VAR fails to ruin a match

How nice was it to watch football as it used to be. 

No stopping and waiting for someone in a caravan rereferee the game. 

When we scored we knew we could celebrate. 

When the ref said no penalty, we knew the game would just carry on. 

It was brilliant and a reminder of what we have lost with the introduction of VAR. 

I remain firmly of the view that the game doesn't need VAR and would be better off without it and I will not tire of saying it (though you may tire of reading it). 

I read with a sinking feeling that IFAB are looking to expand its use to cover second yellows (which surely means by definition that you have to look at all yellows as what if the second is genuine but the first a mistake).  

This expansion of its use will be disastrous, increasing the frequency and duration of stoppages during a match and further damaging the spectacle for the fans in attendance. 

Maybe it's time for a petition……watch this space.