### Recap of Arsenal’s 5-1 Victory Over Bolton in the Carabao Cup
In an exciting match at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal secured a 5-1 win against Bolton in the third round of the Carabao Cup, showcasing a blend of young talent and experienced players.
#### Young Talent Shines
Before the match, Jack Porter made history by becoming the youngest player to start for Arsenal at just 16 years old. Mikel Arteta shared that Porter was thrilled after being informed of his starting position. With his debut occurring years after Tottenham’s last trophy win, the young player and his family felt some anxiety about the event.
However, the supportive crowd helped ease his nerves, applauding his first touch and encouraging him throughout the match. Teammates, especially Jorginho, provided guidance, assisting him in managing the game’s pressures. Despite initial jitters, Porter performed well, effectively dealing with Bolton’s aerial challenges and displaying solid passing skills.
Porter was one of four debutants for Arsenal that evening, joining Josh Nichols, Maldini Kacurri, and Ismeal Kabia, marking a significant night for the club’s academy. Per Mertesacker emphasized their commitment to nurturing players comprehensively, stating, “We focus on developing the best individuals, as this is crucial for creating top players.”
#### Nwaneri Takes Advantage of His Opportunity
Ethan Nwaneri, at 17, brought slightly more experience with three prior substitute appearances. In this match, he seamlessly integrated into the midfield with seasoned players like Declan Rice and Jorginho. Nwaneri scored his first goal following a bold run, celebrating enthusiastically—a moment that highlighted his youthful exuberance. Rice joined in the celebration, clearly delighted.
As the match progressed, Nwaneri’s confidence grew, opting to shoot when he had the opportunity to pass. Arteta humorously remarked about his happiness for Nwaneri’s goal, acknowledging the reactions of his teammates if he hadn’t scored. Nwaneri’s performance solidified his position in the first-team squad, especially with Martin Ødegaard currently unavailable. Arteta praised him, noting he had “exceeded expectations” and would see more playing time.
#### Sterling Shines Amidst the Youngsters
While the focus was on the younger players, Raheem Sterling also sought to make an impact. After a slow start, the 29-year-old demonstrated his skills with impressive dribbling and assisted Nwaneri’s first goal. Although his own goal in the second half wasn’t particularly glamorous, it underscored his ability to be in the right place at the right time—a skill honed under Arteta at Manchester City.
Arteta commented on Sterling’s continued improvement, saying, “He’s getting better and better, physically improving. Once the game opened up, he showcased his abilities and played a crucial role in several goals, making it a successful night for him.” This performance likely boosted Sterling’s chances of starting against Leicester on Saturday.
Overall, it was a memorable night for both the academy graduates and the established players at Arsenal.
