Jorrel Hato sends message to Arsenal teammate who’s just had career-first
Jorrel Hato has sent a message of support to Arsenal goalkeeper Tommy Setford after he made his home debut on Sunday.
The 19-year-old was brought off the bench for Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 87th minute, earning just his second-ever appearance for the Gunners.
Arsenal rode out 4-0 winners over Wigan Athletic on the day, securing progression to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Noni Madueke got the scoring underway, before Gabriel Martinelli and Jack Hunt’s own goal extended the lead, and Gabriel Jesus’ chip sealed a place in the next round.
Arsenal remain in contention for all four competitions going into the final months of the season, as the pressure intensifies on Mikel Arteta’s men.
Jorrel Hato reacts to Tommy Setford appearance
Setford has sat on the bench for every one of Arsenal’s Champions League games this season, and the 19-year-old has been patient.
As a young goalkeeper, the England youth international will be aware that his senior career will take a longer time to develop.
The Gunners snapped up the young goalkeeper in a deal worth around £1million in the summer of 2024, as they looked for a new shot-stopper for the Under-21 side.
Failures to sign a third option elsewhere saw Setford become the third choice, however, and he made his Arsenal debut against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.
Karl Hein had been the designated third choice, but he has spent the last two seasons out on loan and now looks set to leave this summer.
Setford is a known figure at Arsenal now, and his name was met with a big cheer by the Emirates Stadium faithful when he replaced Kepa on Sunday.
The 19-year-old did not have much to do, but made a big claim from a free-kick immediately after coming on.
He took to Instagram after the game and wrote: “Worth every minute! Thank you Arsenal”.
Chelsea defender Hato, who spent time with the goalkeeper at Ajax, commented: “Yes!”
Mikel Arteta explains Setford substitution
Kepa looked to be among those happiest for Setford, with the Spaniard all too happy to be substituted for his teammate, despite not always playing himself.
The 19-year-old is clearly a popular figure in the Arsenal squad, who were delighted for him.
“I think everybody has to feel that he’s got a chance, and if there are players, one of them would be Tommy for his attitude and the way he helps everybody every single day,” Arteta said when asked about the moment.
“So if we have a chance to play him in some minutes, we have to try to do it. I think he was very happy.”