Arsenal smashed Sunderland 5-1 in the quarterfinal of the Carabao Cup last night and although Eddie Nketiah’s hat-trick made the most news, it was young Charlie Patino who won fans’ hearts.
The youngster, who only turned 18 a couple of months ago, was handed his debut by Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal boss brought him on for the final 10 minutes of the game, and that was all Patino needed to make his mark.
The teenager scored with his first shot at goal for Arsenal and every player in red and white was delighted for him. He is a star in the making and there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that he will go on to be a fine player for us in the coming years.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Five fascinating facts about Arsenal wonderkid Charlie Patino
10th youngest goalscorer
With his goal last night, Patino has made his way into Arsenal’s history books by becoming the 10th youngest player ever to score a goal for the club. (Goal)
Youngest in 58 years
Patino became the youngest player to score a goal on debut for Arsenal since Jon Sammels in 1963, almost 60 years ago. (Tom Ede of Opta)
Wasn’t even born during the start of our Invincibles season
Patino was born on the 17th of October in 2003. That’s one day before Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 at Highbury thanks to goals from Thierry Henry and our current technical director, Edu Gaspar. The Gunners went on to win the Premier League that season without losing a single game, making us the Invincibles.
The Charlie statistic
Patino is the 16th Charlie to play for Arsenal and the sixth to score on debut after Charlie Booth in 1892, Charlie Lewis in 1907, Charlie McGibbon in 1910, Charlie Bell in 1913 and Charlie Jones in 1928. (Harvey Downes of Opta)
Shirt number
Patino was given the number 87 shirt for his senior debut last night. By getting on the score sheet, the youngster has now set the record for being the player with the highest scoring squad number ever to score for Arsenal. Bukayo Saka wore the number 77 when he scored his first goal. (Orbinho of Opta)
A future star
Arsenal’s academy has produced two of the finest talents in England over the last few years. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are real stars in the Premier League at the moment, and Patino could soon join them.
The midfielder, still only 18, is one of the most talented players in our academy. He has shown his class at youth level and it’s only a matter of time before he makes it big with the senior squad as well.
It is unlikely that Patino will play many more games this season, but his time will come. Arteta has been very careful in his management of young players, but once he’s convinced that the teenager is ready, he will be unleashed in the Premier League, just like Saka and Smith Rowe were.
