In a Carabao Cup clash that saw Mikel Arteta rotate his squad, Arsenal comfortably cruised to a 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers. While the competition may not be at the top of Arteta’s priority list, the night highlighted the talent of young Arsenal stars. Most notably, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri scored twice on his full debut, leaving fans excited about the future.
Ethan Nwaneri Takes Center Stage
Ethan Nwaneri, a name Arsenal fans are likely to hear a lot more in the future, stole the show with two goals, one on either side of halftime. His composed finishing and ability to read the game belied his age, making it clear that he’s a player to watch. Nwaneri’s performance was further boosted by the fact that he wasn’t even born when Arsenal last lifted this trophy in 1993 under George Graham.
His first goal came just after Declan Rice had opened the scoring for the Gunners. Nwaneri latched onto a well-timed through ball and finished clinically, much to the delight of the home crowd. His second, coming shortly after halftime, was even more impressive, as he showcased his poise under pressure, firing a low shot past the Bolton keeper.
Declan Rice and Raheem Sterling Shine
Before Nwaneri’s heroics, Declan Rice had already set the tone for the evening. The England international found the back of the net early on, giving Arsenal the lead and providing a solid foundation for the rest of the game. Rice’s goal served as a reminder of why he’s so integral to Arteta’s plans, even in matches where squad rotation is key.
Raheem Sterling, making his full debut for Arsenal, also added his name to the scoresheet. Sterling’s experience and quick feet caused Bolton’s defense all sorts of problems throughout the match. His goal came after a beautifully executed move down the left flank, demonstrating his class and ability to adapt seamlessly into Arsenal’s system.
Kai Havertz Seals the Deal
With the match already comfortably in Arsenal’s hands, Kai Havertz came off the bench to add a fifth. The German international hasn’t had the easiest start to life at the Emirates, but this goal could be the confidence boost he needs to kickstart his campaign.
Bolton managed to make the match competitive for a short while, with Aaron Collins pulling one back. However, it wasn’t enough to halt the Arsenal onslaught, and they were ultimately swept aside.
Young Jack Porter Sets a Record
On a night of youth triumphs, Arsenal’s fourth-choice goalkeeper, Jack Porter, also made history. At just 16 years and 72 days old, Porter became the youngest player to start a match for Arsenal, surpassing Cesc Fàbregas’ record. Despite his age, Porter looked composed between the sticks, giving Arteta a glimpse of what could be a promising future for the young shot-stopper.
Porter’s start was made possible by injuries to first-choice keeper David Raya, and with back-up Neto cup-tied, the teenage goalie was thrust into the spotlight. While Bolton didn’t test him too often, his calm presence and ability to distribute the ball were noteworthy.
Arteta’s Post-Match Reaction
After the match, Mikel Arteta expressed his delight with the young talent on display. “It was a difficult decision to make so many changes, but the boys showed up. Ethan [Nwaneri] was outstanding, and Jack [Porter] held his own in goal. These are the types of performances that make these competitions valuable, giving our youngsters a chance to shine,” Arteta commented.
When asked about the upcoming Premier League fixture against Leicester, Arteta admitted concerns over David Raya’s availability. “We’ll assess him, but it might be too soon for him to return. Thankfully, we have options, and the youngsters have shown they’re more than capable.”
FAQs
Ethan Nwaneri scored twice, with Declan Rice, Raheem Sterling, and Kai Havertz adding the other three goals.
Ethan Nwaneri is 17 years old, and he made his full debut for Arsenal in this match.
Jack Porter, Arsenal’s fourth-choice goalkeeper, became the youngest player to start a game for Arsenal at 16 years and 72 days, surpassing Cesc Fàbregas’ record.
Arsenal defeated Bolton 5-1 in the Carabao Cup.
Aaron Collins scored Bolton’s only goal in the match.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Bolton in the Carabao Cup wasn’t just a victory; it was a showcase of the club’s exciting young talents. Ethan Nwaneri’s brace, coupled with Jack Porter’s historic start, highlighted the Gunners’ depth and potential for the future. With a mixture of youth and experience, Arsenal are advancing in the competition and building momentum for the challenges ahead.
