News

Hayden - It's a great first taste for me

Isaac Hayden says playing at Emirates Stadium for the first time was a β€œfantastic” experience - and it has left him wanting more.

The 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes at centre back in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup third-round clash against Southampton.

Arsenal were knocked out of the competition after losing 2-1 but Hayden is only taking positives from the game.

"It's a great starter, a great first taste and you want more of it. You want to be playing at the highest level of professional football"

Isaac Hayden

β€œDespite the result, it was obviously fantastic to play at the Emirates,” he told Arsenal Player. β€œIt's the first time I've played in front of a home crowd which was good. I've been on the bench a few times so it was good to finally get on the pitch.

β€œIt's a great starter, a great first taste and you want more of it. That's the aim, you want to be playing at the highest level of professional football that you can.

β€œIt was a good learning experience for me tonight, playing against Graziano Pelle who's a very good forward. It's good for me and Calum, both being 19, to learn against such good quality opposition. Graziano’s a big strong guy but I did my best, that's all I can do. Give 100 per cent each time I play for Arsenal.”