Amongst the flurry of goals Arsenal Women revelled in during their 4-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Leicester on Sunday afternoon, a wholesome moment shined through.
In the 77th minute, Michelle Agyemang stepped onto the pitch for the first time in a Gunners shirt in place of Lina Hurtig, consummating a more than 10-year journey from a six-year old in the academy system to official first-team player.
And while the 16-year-old striker was unable to mark the special occasion for the visitors with a goal of her own, she exuded nothing but pride at making her official debut for the club she has called home since 2013.
READ MORE: Jonas Eidevall explains what pleased him most about Arsenal's comfortable WSL win over Leicester
“Honestly, it’s really surreal,” she told Arsenal’s media team after Sunday’s victory. “I’ve been here for so long, and obviously been waiting a while to make my debut and it was a really good experience to come on at this time and I wouldn’t want to do it at any other club but here.”
When asked how many times she might have dreamed of the moment, Agyemang allowed herself a laugh. “So many,” she said. “Since the beginning, I’d say. It’s been a dream of mine and I’m so happy to have got this opportunity now.
“When they first called my name I was like, really, me? But honestly I can’t even describe it, it’s an amazing feeling to be here.”
The 16-year-old striker has been included in all but one of the Gunners' WSL matchday squads this season, but the strength in depth touted by Jonas Eidevall’s side, particularly in attack, has made breaking through a heady challenge.
Nevertheless, the education gleaned from the top-class talent she finds herself amongst has proven second to none and the starlet remained confident that the lessons will only keep coming.
“I think if I said everything I’ve picked up I’d be here for ages, but being around world-class players, international players, you learn something every day and it’s a really good experience to be here,” she said.
Arsenal coolly dispatched WSL bottom club Leicester, with Frida Maanum scoring before the 15-minute mark, followed swiftly by Caitlin Foord and Stephanie Catley before the interval. Stina Blackstenius added another three minutes after the restart.
The victory places the Gunners level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table but with a game in hand on their rivals from west London.
Arsenal return to WSL action when they welcome third-placed Manchester United on 19 November.
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