Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta named several senior stars in his starting lineup for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Bolton but he also selected three 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old.
The youngest member of Arteta’s starting XI on Wednesday was Jack Porter, who only turned 16 in July.
Aged 16 years, two months and 10 days, Porter set a new record as the youngest player ever to start a competitive game for the Gunners.
That record had previously been held by Cesc Fabregas, who started his first Arsenal game just 72 days after his 16th birthday in 2003.
Porter was given No 92 as his squad number ahead of his first-team debut.Â
With first-choice stopper David Raya missing out due to a thigh injury and with Neto cup-tied, the other goalkeeper in Arsenal’s matchday squad was 18-year-old substitute Alexei Rojas.
More to follow.Â
Jack Porter, 16, pictured warming-up ahead of his senior Arsenal debut against Bolton
Aged 16 years, two months and 10 days, Porter is the youngest player ever to start for Arsenal
Porter was allocated the No 92 squad number ahead of Wednesday’s game against Bolton