Ethan Nwaneri Shines with Two Goals in Arsenal Victory

Ethan Nwaneri shone for Arsenal scoring his first goals as they comfortably defeated League One Bolton to advance to the Carabao Cup fourth round. The 17-year-old made a significant impact in his first senior start, netting twice after initially contributing to Arsenal’s opener. Nwaneri capitalized on a cross from Raheem Sterling slotting the ball into an empty net.

He then took advantage of a defensive error from Bolton rolling the ball past goalkeeper Luke Southwood to score his second. Arsenal took the lead in the 16th minute when Declan Rice finished a fizzed cross that Scott Arfield failed to clear. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Ethan Nwaneri’s confidence and understanding on the pitch, noting he has exceeded expectations and will continue to receive playing time.

Sterling scored his first goal for Arsenal shortly after, tapping in a rebound from Bukayo Saka’s shot that Southwood spilled. Kai Havertz capped off the scoring, guiding home a rebound after Sterling’s effort was saved. Bolton managed to pull one back in the 53rd minute through Aaron Collins but it was merely a consolation goal that denied Arsenal’s teenage goalkeeper, Jack Porter a clean sheet on his record-setting debut.

At 16 years and 72 days old, Porter became the youngest player to start for Arsenal breaking Cesc Fabregas’s record from 2003. With a youthful lineup featuring several debutants, Arsenal’s victory showcased their emerging talent. The experience of seasoned players like Rice and Jorginho allowed the young Gunners to express themselves proving crucial for the club’s ambitions in the Premier League as they aim for their first title in 21 years.

Bolton sitting 58 places below Arsenal in the league hierarchy, struggled to create chances and their defensive mistakes proved costly.