Arsenal's 17yo forward Harriman-Annous receives first senior call up in 1-0 loss to Liverpool

Arsenal’s highly-rated teenager Harriman-Annous received his first senior call-up on Sunday as the Gunners were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool at Anfield, though he remained an unused substitute. 

The 17-year-old’s inclusion in the matchday squad marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time he had been named in a first-team Premier League squad.

Harriman-Annous joined Arsenal’s Hale End Academy in May 2016 and has steadily progressed through the club’s youth ranks. 

Seven months after celebrating his 17th birthday, the forward signed a new contract with the club, emphasizing Arsenal’s belief in his potential and long-term development.

Eligible to represent Nigeria, Ghana, England, and Lebanon, Harriman-Annous is reportedly leaning toward committing his international future to England, having already earned two caps for the Young Lions at under-18 level. 

Footballing talent runs in his family, with his elder brother Brandon also a product of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, while his uncle, Maro Itoje, captains the British & Irish Lions rugby team.

Before being named in Sunday’s squad, Harriman-Annous made his unofficial first-team debut in July, coming off the bench for the final 13 minutes of a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Singapore. 

Although he did not get on the field against Liverpool, being part of the senior squad gave him his first taste of a Premier League matchday environment and the experience of traveling with the first team.

While Arsenal fell short in a narrow loss, Harriman-Annous’ inclusion represents a key step in his career. 

The club and supporters will hope this milestone is the start of his gradual integration into competitive first-team action in the seasons ahead.

Wale Adejumo

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