Arteta praises Nwaneri’s readiness for Premier League as the young midfielder scores twice in dominant victory.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is ready to make his mark on the Premier League after the youngster scored twice in Arsenal’s commanding 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Bolton. Nwaneri, who made headlines at just 15 when he became the Premier League’s youngest player, delivered a stellar performance in his first start for the Gunners, netting in both halves.
The highly-touted midfielder was joined on the scoresheet by Declan Rice, Raheem Sterling, and Kai Havertz, while 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter made history as Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter, surpassing Cesc Fabregas’ previous record.
Arteta expressed confidence in Nwaneri’s abilities and hinted at more first-team opportunities in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign. “He is ahead of what anybody could expect,” Arteta said post-match. “He’s playing with confidence and belief, and he deserves the minutes he’s getting. He is part of us, so he will continue to get his chances.”
Nwaneri’s brace came during a night where Arteta handed starts to four academy players, including 17-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who assisted Nwaneri’s first goal, and 18-year-old Josh Nichols. Porter, making his debut between the posts, stepped up with first-choice goalkeeper David Raya injured, marking a significant moment in his young career.
“We told him yesterday, and he was over the moon,” Arteta said of Porter’s historic debut. “It’s a big step, and his team-mates helped him through it. What an experience, and what a way to break a record.”
On-loan Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling also had a strong showing, scoring his first goal for Arsenal shortly after the hour mark. Arteta praised Sterling’s improving form, noting, “He’s getting better and better, physically making strides. He was involved in a few goals tonight, and it was a very strong performance.”
Despite Bolton’s appeals for a first-half penalty, which referee Josh Smith waved away, Arsenal capitalized moments later with Rice’s opener. Bolton boss Ian Evatt expressed frustration with the missed call and his side’s mistakes but acknowledged Arsenal’s clinical finishing.
“Two or three of their goals were self-inflicted, which is disappointing. We should have had a penalty,” Evatt said. “Arsenal had two big moments in the first half, and they took them—that was the difference.”
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