Arsenal defender Isaac Hayden says it was fantastic to feature at the Emirates stadium on Tuesday night despite the 1-2 defeat against Southampton in the League Cup.
With manager Arsene Wenger facing injury problems in the defensive department, the youngster played the full 90 minutes and believes 29-year-old Graziano Pelle was a good test to gain experience on his debut.
"Despite the result, it was obviously fantastic to play at the Emirates," he told the club's official website.
"It'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.
"It'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.
"It 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 [Chambers], 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."
