At the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners cruised to victory as their 17-year-old youth prodigy scored his first two goals as a senior.
With two goals in his first Arsenal start, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling helped the Gunners defeat Bolton Wanderers 5-1 and advance to the Carabao Cup fourth round. On minute 37, Nwaneri, then 17 years old, headed in Sterling’s cross to score the first goal for Arsenal since Jack Wilshere, then 16 years old, did it against Sheffield United back in 2008.
By then, Declan Rice had already given the home team the lead. Shortly after halftime, the England international provided another assist when he set Nwaneri free to score the third goal of the game. After that, Aaron Collins broke free to give the League One team a goal back, but Kai Havertz, a substitute, and Sterling’s tap-in sealed an easy victory for Arsenal.
Jack Porter, Goalkeeper & Defense (6/10): Fantastic evening for the youngest player to ever start an Arsenal game. Despite having little to do, the 16-year-old exuded confidence for such a momentous occasion. Collins scored after breaking free to leave him all alone. Josh Nichols: 7 out of 10. Had a significant role in the first goal by causing Rice to receive his cross from the right. The eighteen-year-old debutante appeared at ease and constantly desired the ball. Jakub Kiwior (7 out of 10).
Always tried to assist Nichols on the right side of defense; he made good use of his experience. Calafiori Riccardo (7/10): gotten into trouble once early on, but never really again. It’s more crucial than ever for the newcomer to play. Lewis-Skelly, Myles (8/10): Excellent pass to set up Sterling’s second goal. Before sadly limping out late due to injury, he appeared to be at ease among the more experienced players.
Midfield
Jorginho (6/10):
Left totally exposed on his own when Collins broke away to score. Played a key role with his experience in midfield, guiding the youngsters through the game at times.
Declan Rice (8/10):
Lovely finish to open the scoring, then set up Nwaneri for the third goal with some fine play to win the ball back high up the pitch.
Ethan Nwaneri (9/10
The star of the night. Two goals, one in each half, and a very accomplished all-round performance. A dream night for the 17-year-old on his first Arsenal start.
Attack (7/10) by Bukayo Saka: Always vivacious, but unable to register on the scoreboard. Two attempts were made into the side net. Gabriel Jesus (7/10): Shortly before half-time, fired wide. never stopped working, and it was clear he was eager to get on the scoreboard. However, these were crucial minutes that resulted in some superb play preceding Havertz’s goal. Raheem Sterling 8 out of 10:
Raheem Sterling 8 out of 10: On his debut for Arsenal, he netted a goal and two assists. Become more invested in the game as it went on. encouraging indicators.
Manager Gabriel Magalhaes and the Subs (6/10): For the hurt Lewis-Skelly, on. sailed through the last thirty minutes. Kai Havertz (7 out of 10): After the break, brought some new energy to the midfield and showed alertness in the box to score the team’s fifth goal of the evening after Sterling’s attempt was saved. Maldini Kacurri: Not sure. A special time for him to appear for the first time in fifteen minutes
Gabriel Martinelli (N/A):
Gave Saka a breather late on.
Ismeal Kabia (N/A):
Another debutante. On for the final 10 minutes in place of Sterling.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
A near perfect night for the Arsenal boss, who was able to field six youngsters and claim a convincing win.