Arsenal comfortably progressed to the EFL Cup fourth round with a commanding 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Seventeen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri marked his first start for Arsenal with two goals, while recent signing Raheem Sterling opened his account for the club. Declan Rice and Kai Havertz also found the net for the Gunners.
Rice initiated the scoring in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a failed clearance. Nwaneri doubled the lead before halftime and added his second four minutes into the second half. Bolton’s Aaron Collins briefly reduced the deficit, but Sterling and substitute Havertz sealed the emphatic win for Arsenal.
Manager Mikel Arteta fielded a mix of youth and experience, giving several academy graduates their debut. Sixteen-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter started, while 18-year-old Josh Nichols impressed at right-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly, 17, featured in midfield before being substituted, and late in the game, 17-year-old Maldini Kacurri and 18-year-old Ismeal Kabia made their first-team bows.
Sterling, making his first start for Arsenal, was named player of the match. The 29-year-old England international was a constant threat, providing an assist for Nwaneri’s first goal and creating the chance for Havertz’s strike.
This performance highlighted Arsenal’s strength in depth and the potential of their youth academy. It also provided a confidence boost for Sterling, who has been looking to revitalize his career since joining the Gunners.
The result sets up Arsenal for a strong cup run while allowing Arteta to rest key players ahead of upcoming Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
