Ryan realises dream

Ryan Mason capped a ‘surreal week’ with a Premier League debut to remember at Arsenal.

The midfielder, 23, stepped out for his first senior North London derby and took it all in his stride as we fought out 1-1 draw at the Emirates.

Nacer Chadli opened the scoring in the 56th minute, prompting the response you’d expect from the Gunners and we defended superbly but for one occasion, when we failed to clear our lines enabling Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to lash home the equaliser.

Six days earlier Ryan was at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground in Hetton, near Sunderland, where he played 90 minutes for our Under-21s against the Black Cats.

His performances in pre-season and in training prompted a first team call-up by Mauricio Pochettino for Wednesday’s Capital One Cup clash against Forest and trailing 1-0 at the Lane, Ryan provided the spark off the bench for our comeback with his first senior Spurs goal, a superb 30-yarder into the top corner as we ran out 3-1 winners.

That was enough to earn his dream start against the Gunners – and Ryan took it with both hands.

"It’s been a surreal week for me, I scored my first goal against Forest on Wednesday and to make my debut was amazing," he said.

"It was tough in the middle of the park. I had a reserve game on Monday and played 90 minutes against Sunderland, I didn’t think I’d play 90 but I felt fine out there, got through it and I’m pleased.

“We got a good result as well and that makes it all the more special.”

Ryan signed Academy forms back in 2007 and becomes the latest player to graduate to the Premier League.

“It was a massive stage to make my debut and a proud moment for me,” he added. “I’ve waited a long time and now I want to make the most of it."

Below: Ryan's heat map at the Emirates - more stats, video reaction, report, photos, Social Hub on our Match Centre...