PRESTON, ENGLAND: Tommy Setford of Arsenal celebrates after teammate Gabriel Jesus (not pictured) scores their team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal at Deepdale on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Debut Arsenal duo react to their first Gunners appearances

Oct 31, 2024

Tommy Setford and Ayden Heaven became the latest Arsenal youngsters to make their first-team debuts on Wednesday against Preston North End.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Ayden Heaven of Arsenal FC controls the ball against AFC Bournemouth during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta handed another two players their senior debuts on Wednesday night, with Tommy Setford starting in goal for Arsenal against Preston North End, and Ayden Heaven coming off the bench in the second half.

Setford had been unlucky not to make his debut against Bolton Wanderers in the last round, as he surely would have if not for a poorly-timed injury. Instead, Jack Porter got an unexpected opportunity between the sticks for that game.

Fortunately, Arsenal progressed to the next round and Setford got fit in time for this one. Speaking afterwards, he agreed that it was a dream come true.

PRESTON, ENGLAND: Tommy Setford of Arsenal looks on during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal at Deepdale on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“Yeah, it is, it is,” Setford said. “I came here three months ago and today I made my professional debut and my debut for The Arsenal, so it’s a special moment and I’m happy with the clean sheet.

“Obviously I couldn’t sleep last night, I slept at like 2 o’clock. Obviously I was gassed and I was looking forward to it as well. I was excited, so it was good.

“[Arteta] said congrats to us on our debut and I offered to do a speech because I owe him a speech. I told them that I was happy that they push me in training and I finally can make my debut, it was a special moment.”

As for the possibility of playing in the quarter-final against Crystal Palace, Setford admitted he’s excited by the opportunity, but it’s not his decision.

“That choice isn’t down to me, that choice is to Mikel,” Setford pointed out. “But I hope I showed him enough tonight and he can play me in the quarter-finals, so we’ll just wait and see.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ayden Heaven of Arsenal looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium on August 07, 2024. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

As for Heaven, the defender came on in the 80th minute, taking up a position at left-centre-back. The 18-year-old appeared very grateful for the chance afterwards.

“I’ve waited a long time,” Heaven said. “Today the day finally came, I’m just happy. I thank my teammates, my family and everyone that’s got me here, so yeah, I’m just really happy.

“They said do your thing basically. They showed me what I had to do on set pieces and I’m confident in my ability anyway, so I knew I was going to have a good game when I came on.

“I feel like Mikel has trust in me. I feel that’s a big part in it and yeah, I just feel like there’s trust when it comes to making your competitive debut.”