COMES the hour, comes the man.
On the hour mark, Brighton presented Evan Ferguson, 18, with proceedings against Arsenal as they tried to find a way back to their match at the Amex.
Just 17 minutes later, after forcing the usually stable William Saliba into a mistake and clearing the defender 6ft 4in, he calmly passed England keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
But the teenager has never had any regard for his opponent’s reputation in the past.
As a brave 14-year-old, Ferguson made a memorable appearance against Chelsea in a pre-season friendly for Irish side Bohemians.
Since being snapped up by Brighton in January 2021, after the Seagulls battled Liverpool to sign the talent, the 6ft powerhouse has featured eight times for the Premier League side.
In November, Ferguson made his debut for the Republic of Ireland in a 2-1 friendly loss to Norway.
burst onto the scene
It was Frank Lampard’s Chelsea who saw the whirlwind Ferguson can be first hand.
The focus was supposed to be on the manager – who ran the club he loved and played for – for the first time.
Ferguson, however, made headlines.
The boy, who is younger than Facebook, was introduced to Game Time. Again. And he put the scary Kurt Zouma and Davide Zappacosta.
Leading the line alone, he nearly scored when a whipped shot went just wide of the far post.
He then had the conscience to fake a pass for a teammate to score a last-minute equaliser.
Recalling that day at The 42, Ferguson revealed, “I think it kind of exploded a bit. I didn’t know I was going to play, I knew I was on the bench but I didn’t know if I was going to play or this, that or whatever. It was kind of… Everyone knew that at the time.
8
8
keep it on the ground
With speculation of Premier League interest Ferguson had to keep his feet on the ground.
It was her father, Barry, who offered this support.
His father was an ex-pro, who played for Coventry City, Colchester United and others.
“He was good to me growing up, he wouldn’t put too much pressure on me, really, saying ‘you gotta do this or that,'” Ferguson said.
“If I wanted anything or needed to talk to him he would be there but I wouldn’t say there’s that much pressure, I don’t think anyone really expects a young plays in this game – if you do, it’s more of a bonus.”
8
8
The potter’s grip
Brighton broke through – beating a host of Premier League rivals to signing – 2021
After making his debut in August of the same year as a substitute against Championship side Cardiff City in the second round of the EFL Cup, he scored his first goal a year later in the same competition against Forest Green Rovers.
After the final whistle, his former manager Graham Potter said: “He’s a smart player for someone so young.
“You look at him and you have to remember he’s only 17, so he has an exciting future I think.
“He’s level-headed and a humble guy who still wants to play football, score goals, help the team, so he’s got a lot of great qualities, good movement, smart, so we’re happy with him.”
Now, since turning 18 just a few months ago, Ferguson has his sights set on more goals to add to his Premier League debut against the league’s best Gunners.
“A disappointing result, obviously we wanted to win the game but on a personal level it was good to have scored,” he told the Brighton website.
8
8
“In the end, we could have, depending on the offside goal, had another chance, but that’s how it is.
“I’m abuzz to score the goal. I hope I can go on and try to get another one.
. wonder Brighton Evan Ferguson who scored against Arsenal was only when he tormented the stars Chelsea during a friendly match
. Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson scored Arsenal tormented Chelsea stars friendly
