The Gunners eased into round four of the Carabao Cup with Ethan Nwaneri starring in a dominant win against League One Bolton
Ethan Nwaneri marked his first Arsenal start with two goals while Raheem Sterling was also on target as the Gunners beat Bolton Wanderers 5-1 to cruise into the Carabao Cup fourth round.
When Nwaneri turned in Sterling's cross on 37 minutes, the 17-year-old became the youngest Arsenal goalscorer since a 16-year-old Jack Wilshere found the net against Sheffield United way back in 2008.
Declan Rice had already given the hosts the lead by that point and the England international added an assist to his name when he sent Nwaneri clear to slot home the third goal of the night soon after half-time.
Aaron Collins then broke away to pull a goal back for the League One side, but a tap in for Sterling and a volleyed finish from substitute Kai Havertz completed a comfortable night's work for Arsenal.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Jack Porter (6/10):
Huge night for the youngest ever player to start a game for Arsenal. The 16-year-old had little to do, but looked confident enough on such a big occasion. Left all alone with Collins broke clear to score for Bolton.
Josh Nichols (7/10):
Played a big part in the first goal, with his cross from the right deflecting into the path of Declan Rice. The 18-year-old debutante always wanted the ball and looked comfortable on it.
Jakub Kiwior (7/10):
Always looked to help Nichols out on the right side of the defence, Used his experience well.
Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):
Caught out once early on, but never really troubled after that. More important game time for the new arrival.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (8/10):
Superb pass to send Sterling clear for the second goal. Looked very comfortable around the senior players, until unfortunately going off injured late on.
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Jorginho (6/10):
Left totally exposed on his own when Collins broke away to score. Played a key role with his experience in midfield, guiding the youngsters through the game at times.
Declan Rice (8/10):
Lovely finish to open the scoring, then set up Nwaneri for the third goal with some fine play to win the ball back high up the pitch.
Ethan Nwaneri (9/10):
The star of the night. Two goals, one in each half, and a very accomplished all round performance. A dream night for the 17-year-old on his first Arsenal start.
Attack
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Always lively, but couldn't get on the scoresheet. Sent two efforts into the side netting.
Gabriel Jesus (7/10):
Fired wide just before half-time. Didn't stop working, you could see he was really wanting to get on the scoresheet. Important minutes though and produced some excellent play in the build up to Havertz's goal.
Raheem Sterling (8/10):
A goal and two assists on his first Arsenal start. Really grew into the game as it wore on. Promising signs.
Subs & Manager
Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):
On for the injured Lewis-Skelly. Cruised through the final half an hour.
Kai Havertz (7/10):
Added some fresh legs to the midfield after the interval and was alert in the box to score the fifth of the night after Sterling's shot was saved.
Maldini Kacurri (N/A):
Special moment for him to come on for his debut 15 minutes from time
Gabriel Martinelli (N/A):
Gave Saka a breather late on.
Ismeal Kabia (N/A):
Another debutante. On for the final 10 minutes in place of Sterling.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
A near perfect night for the Arsenal boss, who was able to field six youngsters and claim a convincing win.