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Arsenal 5 Bolton 1: 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri runs the show against League One opposition in comfortable win for Gunners
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SOME of Arsenal’s greatest young talents have made their names in the Carabao Cup.
You can add 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to that list.
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Under Arsene Wenger, Cesc Fabregas became the club’s youngest-ever first team starter at 16 years and 177 days in a third-round tie against Rotherham in October 2003, before becoming their youngest ever scorer two months later in the fourth round against Wolves.
In September 2008, Jack Wilshere made his first senior start and scored his first goal in a 6-0 third round thrashing of Sheffield United at 16 years and 266 days.
And last night against Bolton, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta carried on that tradition by chucking more record-breaking Hale End academy teenagers into a third round clash.
Four of them got their first run-outs, meaning Arteta has now handed debuts to TWELVE academy players since taking over in December 2019 – but it was two-goal Nwaneri who stole the show.
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Nwaneri clinched the title of youngest ever Prem player back in September 2022 with a substitute appearance away at Brentford at the age of 15 years and 181 days.
And here at the Emirates, on his first senior start, the midfield starlet grabbed a goal either side of half time after Declan Rice’s 16th minute opener against the Trotters.
At 17 years and 188 days, Nwaneri is now Arsenal’s fourth youngest scorer of the 21st century, behind Fabregas, Wilshere and Arturo Lupoli.
Arteta had a headache in between the sticks with No.1 David Raya left out as a precaution due to a thigh knock, new-signing Neto cup-tied and 18-year-old Tommy Setford injured too.
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So, at the age of 16 years and 72 days, fresh-faced Essex-born keeper Jack Porter became the youngest player to ever start a match for Arsenal, leap-frogging the great Fabregas.
Porter now also holds the record of Arsenal’s youngest goalie in their history by two years and is the second youngest player to feature in a senior match, behind Nwaneri.
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In the 53rd minute, Porter’s clean sheet dreams were dashed without having to make a save – Aaron Collins rounding the youngster after a speedy counter.
And in all the Hale End excitement, Raheem Sterling’s first start since joining on loan from Chelsea this summer was slightly overshadowed, despite also getting on the scoresheet.
Porter and Nwaneri were two of NINE academy players in Arteta’s much-changed squad following Sunday’s Battle of the Etihad, with five in a starting line-up that had an average age of 22.7, including Bukayo Saka, Josh Nichols and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 17, had an eventful senior debut against Manchester City last weekend – booked as a sub and squaring up to Erling Haaland at full-time, but earned his first start in this one while right-back Nichols, 18, made his full debut.
Fellow young Guns Ismeal Kabia, Maldini Kacurri, Ayden Heaven and Alexei Rojas made up a strong bench with defender Kacurri and winger Kabia, both 18, also making their debuts late on.
Raya, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Leandro Trossard were left at home, but all eyes were on Porter in the early stages – a player who had only tasted U21s football for the first time in August.
With a nervy fifth minute first touch, he was left on his backside, but such was Arsenal’s dominance that Porter’s only real job before the break was to pick an offside goal out of his net.
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Rice curled in a sweet effort from a Nichols cross not dealt with by Scott Arfield and Sterling teed up Nwaneri for a 37th minute tap-in.
Some poor play from the visitors out the back gifted Nwaneri a fairy tale second in the 49th minute before Sterling and Kai Havertz wrapped up a near-perfect night in North London, as Lewis-Skelly limped off with an injury on the hour mark.
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Arsenal player ratings vs Bolton
ETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.
The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.
See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.
Jack Porter - 6
He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.
Josh Nichols - 6
Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.
Jakub Kiwior - 6
Dealt with Bolton's many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.
Riccardo Calafiori - 7
A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 7
Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.
Jorginho - 6
Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.
Declan Rice - 7
Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.
Ethan Nwaneri - 9
A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.
Bukayo Saka - 9
Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.
Raheem Sterling - 9
A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.
Gabriel Jesus - 5
Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match - a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.
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