Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta turned to youth for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie against Bolton, and it paid off as his side emerged 5-1 victors in north London.
Ethan Nwaneri stole the show, but, from the other players involved, who impressed? And how did the five other teenagers – including a 16-year-old goalkeeper – get on?
Elsewhere on the field, there was concern for one of the home side’s summer signings who had a nervy first start for the club despite his team’s comfortable win.
Overall, however, it was a successful night for Arsenal, who will now prepare to host Leicester at the weekend before Champions League action once again next midweek.
Mail Sport’s AADAM PATEL was at the Emirates to rate the Gunners players.
Ethan Nwaneri (right) was on the scoresheet twice for Arsenal as they swept aside Bolton in the Carabao Cup
Raheem Sterling also netted, scoring his first goal for Arsenal in his maiden appearance
Manager Mikel Arteta named a youthful side but still saw his team progress in north London
Arsenal (4-3-3)
Jack Porter – 6
The 16-year-old became the youngest player to ever start a first-team game for Arsenal, with the previous record holder a certain Cesc Fabregas. Bolton tried to put pressure on him throughout but he was protected well by his defence, though the teenager was rounded comfortably by Aaron Collins for Bolton’s solitary goal. Survived a shaky moment shortly after when he passed the ball straight to Collins but all in all, a memorable night for the history-maker.
Josh Nichols – 6.5
One of four Arsenal players on the night who become the first players to start in a competitive game at Emirates Stadium, who were born after the stadium opened in 2006. The 18-year-old played a part in the first goal and was a constant force up and down the right flank. One to watch for sure.
Jakub Kiwior – 7.5
Solid all night and offered Nichols a helping hand as he dealt aerially with John McAtee. Was comfortable in possession, albeit against weak opposition, though will be kicking himself that Arsenal failed to keep a clean sheet.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6.5
One of the heroes of Sunday but he had a nervy opening to his first start at the Emirates, giving the ball away early on which nearly led to Bolton breaking the deadlock. But that was a rare blip on an otherwise straightforward night for the Italian, who looks like he is integrating with ease to English football. Was also booked for a first-half foul.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7.5
Involved in plenty of off-field drama on Sunday but the 17-year-old let his football do the talking here, with a delightful through ball in the build up for Arsenal’s second goals. Started at left-back but was replaced on the hour mark after suffering a knock. Had more touches (76) than anyone else at the time of coming off. Showed such maturity beyond his years on the ball. Another young star that we’ll be seeing plenty more of.
Jack Porter, at 16, became the youngest-ever player to start a first-team game for Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly let his football do the talking after off-field drama against Manchester City
Nwaneri put in a top-class display and should get opportunities with Martin Odegaard injured
Ethan Nwaneri – 9
Put on a show with two goals and a top-class display. He hecame the youngest player in Premier League history in September 2022 as a 15-year-old. Now 17, has a close bond with Bukayo Saka and constantly linked up with Saka all evening. Bundled home Arsenal’s second and finished past Luke Southwood for Arsenal’s third. So easy on the eye with the ball and likely to get opportunities with Martin Odegaard currently injured.
Jorginho – 7
The skipper on the night and kept things simple, showing all his experience. Though will perhaps be slightly annoyed that he couldn’t intercept John McAtee’s ball for Bolton’s consolation goal. Did what was asked of him.
Declan Rice – 8
Showed his class with the early goal – the first of his campaign. It was a brilliant right-footed finish that eased Arsenal’s early nerves and got them going. Also got an assist in the second half with some brilliant pressing, before he was taken off on the hour mark for Kai Havertz. Solid, as usual.
Bukayo Saka – 7.5
One of a handful of players kept in the starting XI from Sunday and he was too good for Bolton, without ever really pushing up the gears. Sent two Bolton defenders to the shops in the move that led to Raheem Sterling’s first Arsenal goal before he was given an early night.
Bukayo Saka kept his place and way too good for Bolton before being substituted early
Raheem Sterling got a goal and an assist but looked rusty early on in his first start for the club
Gabriel Jesus – 7
Somehow failed to get on the scoresheet despite five attempts but he was dazzling all evening. Was perhaps lucky not to give away a penalty early on but didn’t stop all night and his work rate was summed up by playing a pass to Raheem Sterling, despite only having one boot on after the other had fallen off, for Arsenal’s fifth goal. Brazilian brilliance.
Raheem Sterling – 7.5
Made his full Arsenal debut and got a goal and an assist. Was rusty early on but once he got into the game, the 29-year-old was a constant threat down the left. Delivered a pinpoint cross to Nwaneri for Arsenal’s second then got on the scoresheet after the break with a simple tap in. A pleasant start to the next phase of his career.
Substitutes
Gabriel – 6.5
On for Myles Lewis-Skelly and as usual, did not put a foot wrong. What a force.
Kai Havertz – 7
Came on for Declan Rice and got himself on the scoresheet.
Maldini Kacurri – 6
The 18-year-old Albanian centre-half made his Arsenal debut, replacing Riccardo Calafiori. Looks a unit.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Replaced Bukayo Saka for the last 20 minutes but didn’t really do anything of note.
Ismeal Kabia – 5
Another Arsenal debutant, with the 18-year-old coming on for Raheem Sterling late on.
Mikel Arteta ensured it was job done with minimal fuss and crucial game time for the next generation
Manager
Mikel Arteta – 8
Job done with minimal fuss and with crucial game time for the next generation, combined with some of the more experienced players. Arsenal haven’t won the League Cup since 1993 and Arteta will have an eye on it for sure, given the quality within his ranks. Apart from the goal conceded, a perfect night for his side.