Our Emirates FA Cup clash with Aston Villa included a First Team debut for defender Dylan Lawlor.
The centre-back, who hails from Caerphilly and joined the Academy at the age of seven, produced an outstanding performance.
Reflecting on the experience, Dylan began: "It was a surreal moment for me and my family. Before the game, I saw them in the stands and it all set in for me. It was a tough game and it was really intense compared to what I'm used to at U21 level, but I really enjoyed it.
"It's an unbelievable feeling to make your debut, especially with all the hard work and all the hours that go in behind the scenes, it's a proud moment for me, but also for my family.
There was also a start for U21 left-back Luey Giles, while winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa was named on the bench.
Dylan operated in a back three with Dimitrios Goutas and Will Fish, with Perry Ng to his right; the senior experience supported him throughout the contest.
"It's nice to have a familiar face in Luey and someone that I've played with so much growing up since I was about seven or eight. It was nice for both of us," Dylan continued.
"When you have experienced players like Aaron Ramsey, Perry and Dimi, they speak to you throughout the game, it really helps settle your nerves. As soon as I got here, I took it in my stride and played without fear. It was about backing my ability, this is what I have worked for, so it was a moment to enjoy.
"In the first half, thought we defended really well. In the second half, bodies were tired and the game started to open up. On a different day, we could have got something out of it, but it was a good performance overall."