Arsenal hosted Bolton Wanderers in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup and as predicted, the team had a very good blend of youthful exuberance and experienced level heads.
The Gunners grabbed the lead through a Declan Rice strike and doubled their money when Ethan Nwaneri, playing his full Arsenal debut, latched onto a drilled cut back from Raheem Sterling. After the break, Nwaneri doubled his money when he transitioned possession from Rice to side-foot the ball past the hapless goalie. Bolton hit Arsenal on the break to reduce the deficit through Aaron Collins, but Sterling opened his Arsenal account with the fourth after some sumptuous attacking play from Bukayo Saka. Kai Havertz came on as a substitute and provided the icing on a well-baked cake with a fifth goal.
Without further ado, here are the Gooner Daily player ratings.
Defense
Jack Porter – With Neto Murara cup-tied and David Raya nursing a niggle, it was a big night for 16-year-old debutant, Jack Porter, that had a decent game by his fair standards. Was relatively untroubled and was blameless for the goal conceded. (7)
Myles Lewis-Skelly – In just over an hour, the 17-year-old youngster had 76 touches and played well in the inverted role. Must have been absolutely gutted to succumb to an injury. (7)
Jakub Kiwior – A good day at the office for the Pole. He showed off his versatility on the night, starting the game as a right center back and switching to left back when Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori left the pitch. (7)
Riccardo Calafiori – Made a couple of rare forays forward and switched roles positionally as the game evolved. Good to see him in action after he was suspected to have a knock in the Manchester City game. (7)
Josh Nichols – Played very well on the right flank and tried his best to support Saka in the attacking third. (7)
Midfield
Declan Rice – Scored a well-taken goal and showed his amazing anticipation, winning the ball further up the pitch in the buildup to Nwaneri’s second goal. (8)
Jorginho – A reserved performance for the Arsenal captain, but his lack of agility and pace was heavily exposed when Bolton hit Arsenal on the break, and he was miles away from Aaron Collins with no hope of reaching him. (7)
Ethan Nwaneri – A monster performance for the 17-year-old that showed his gaffer was he was made of. An exemplary performance on the night. (9)
Forwards
Raheem Sterling – Showed lots of zeal and industry down the flanks, starting the contest on the left wing, before switching to the right wing when Saka got subbed. Contributed immensely with a goal and an assist. (9)
Bukayo Saka – Switched from starboy mode to vibes mode and like a typical Saka outing, bagged an assist. (7)
Gabriel Jesus – Was everywhere else on the pitch minus the box, and contributed to the attacking play, but scoffed at the only clear cut chance he had. (7)
Substitutes
Gabriel – Came on to contribute more on the defensive third and was relatively untested. (6)
Kai Havertz – Scored the final goal of the night and showed great attacking potential. (7)
Maldini Kacurri – Proud moment for the 18-year-old, as he made his Arsenal debut. Put up a decent shift at the heart of the defense alongside Gabriel. (6)
Gabriel Martinelli – Saw a lot of the ball but lacked impetus in the final third. (6)
Ismael Kabia – Didn’t play long enough to get a rating.
The Carabao Cup Fourth Round draws have been made and Arsenal is set to visit lower division side, Preston North End.
