Evening Standard
·25 September 2024
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·25 September 2024
Youthful Arsenal side delivered as rotated cast took chance
Arsenal cruised into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 5-1 comfortable victory over Bolton.
Ethan Nwaneri was the star of the show and the 17-year-old marked his full debut by scoring twice.
Declan Rice and Kai Havertz also got on the scoresheet, while Raheem Sterling marked his first start for Arsenal with a goal, too.
Mikel Arteta gave four players their debuts, including 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter - who became the youngest ever player to start for Arsenal.
Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...
Jack Porter 6
Made history by becoming the youngest player to ever start a game for Arsenal, aged 16 years and 72 days. Steady for the most part and could do little about the Bolton goal.
Jack Porter was handed an Arsenal debut by Mikel Arteta
AFP via Getty Images
Josh Nichols 6
Looked a touch shaky early on, but settled down and put in a solid performance on his debut. Some bright moments when he got forward.
Jakub Kiwior 7
A first start of the season for the Poland international. Helped out Nichols whenever Bolton tried to target him with long balls forward.
Riccardo Calafiori 7
A lovely player to watch. Seems to cruise around the defence with such ease and mopped up any danger. Did well on his first appearance at centre-back for Arsenal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 7
A good full debut by the teenager, who turns 18 tomorrow. Had a big hand in Nwaneri’s first goal by playing a great ball through to Sterling.
Ethan Nwaneri 9 | Star player
A dream night for the 17-year-old. Two goals on his full debut and he really did not look out of place. What a talent Arsenal have on their hands.
Jorginho 6
With four teenagers starting, his experience was valuable. Was neat and tidy all game, as he kept the midfield ticking over.
Declan Rice 8
A goal and assist for the midfielder. Took his goal well after being given too much space on the edge of the box and setup Nwaneri for his second by winning the ball high up the pitch.
Bukayo Saka 7
A surprise starter. Looked really sharp and gave Bolton’s left-back a truly torrid time. Had a hand in Sterling’s goal as his cross was saved into the winger’s path.
Gabriel Jesus 6
Typically busy up top, but did not get the goal he probably craves right now. Went close with an effort just before half-time.
Raheem Sterling 8
Marked his full debut with a goal and an assist. Started a little slow, but grew into the game. A bright performance that bodes well for the future.
Raheem Sterling impressed on his first start for Arsenal
Getty Images
Substitutions
Gabriel (Lewis-Skelly 62’) 6
Came on once the game was over. Gave Bolton’s fading attack nothing to feed on.
Kai Havertz (Rice 62’) 7
Off the bench and on the scoresheet, tapping home Sterling’s saved shot.
Maldini Kacurri (Calafiori 70’) 6
Handed his debut and was steady during his 20-minute stint.
Gabriel Martinelli (Martinelli 70’) 6
Sharp cameo from the Brazilian, who looked lively.
Ismael Kabia (Sterling 81’) N/A
Subs not used: Rojas, Saliba, Heaven, Partey