Arsenal cruised into the EFL Cup fourth round with a resounding 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates, as Ethan Nwaneri stole the show with a double on his full debut.
The 16-year-old’s goals, coupled with strikes from Declan Rice, Raheem Sterling, and Kai Havertz, sealed the win for Mikel Arteta‘s side, despite Aaron Collins‘s consolation for Bolton.
Arteta’s Youthful Gamble Pays Off
With fitness concerns arising from the Manchester City draw, Arteta handed full debuts to four teenagers, including 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter, who entered Arsenal’s history books as the youngest player to start a competitive game.
Arsenal’s second-string side dominated proceedings, taking the lead through Rice’s capitalization on Scott Arfield‘s error.
Also See: Real Madrid Holds Off Alaves’ Late Surge To Secure 3-2 Victory
Nwaneri’s first senior goal followed, courtesy of a well-crafted combination with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Sterling.
Nwaneri’s brace was completed early in the second half, thanks to a Bolton passing mistake.
Collins’s tap-in briefly raised Bolton’s hopes, but Sterling and Havertz sealed the win for Arsenal.
