Kevin Campbell hailed Charlie Patino as Arsenal’s ‘wonder boy’ after the midfielder scored on his senior debut against Sunderland, while speaking on Sky Sports News (21/12, 21:35).
Mikel Arteta introduced Patino as his fifth and final substitute in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tie. The Gunners already led 4-1 following a hat-trick from Eddie Nketiah and a first-half hit from Nicolas Pepe, while Nathan Broadhead struck the visitors’ only effort.
Patino was only on the field for the final 10-minutes of regular time, but marked his bow with a goal. He snuck into the Black Cats box at the start of stoppage-time to meet Pepe’s cross, stabbing home past Lee Burge to the delight of those at the Emirates Stadium.
Fans chanted Patino’s name following the Arsenal product’s debut goal against Sunderland. The 18-year-old had only enjoyed his U23s breakthrough earlier this year before cementing his place in the development side under Kevin Betsy this season with 14 of 18 appearances.
Campbell delighted for Patino after debut in Arsenal vs Sunderland
Patino scored as many goals on his first-team bow against Sunderland as the Watford-born gem has in Arsenal’s U23s this term. He also has one assist in 12 Premier League 2 games.
The England U19 international additionally delighted Gunners hero Campbell with how he marked his senior breakthrough in the Carabao Cup.
“It’s the wonder boy,” Campbell said. “Charlie Patino’s on the pitch and he gets on the scoresheet on his debut. Really good play, [Granit] Xhaka plays a really searching ball out to Pepe and Pepe just picks him out.
“He gets a left-foot to it and wrong-foots the goalkeeper. That will be one for the ages, that goal, his first goal for The Arsenal. Brilliant goal and great to see, everyone’s delighted for the young man – I’m delighted for the young man.
“There’s been a couple of rough tackles on him to start with. But he’s picked himself back up and he’s been fine. The night belongs to Eddie Nketiah. But Charlie Patino – coming on, scoring a goal – was absolutely fantastic and I’m sure it’s a moment to saviour.”
When is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw?
Patino’s goal on his senior Arsenal debut helped beat Sunderland and sealed Arteta’s side’s place in the Carabao Cup semi-final. The Gunners can face Brentford or Chelsea, Liverpool or Leicester, or Tottenham or West Ham, whose quarter-finals are on Wednesday.
The EFL Cup semi-final draw takes place after Wednesday’s quarter-final ties at around 21:40 GMT. It will be shown live on Sky Sports after Tottenham’s meeting with West Ham.
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