Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, just 17 years old, made a significant impact in his first senior start by scoring twice in a commanding 5-1 victory over Bolton, a third-division team, in the English League Cup on Wednesday. Nwaneri’s performance stood out alongside new signing Raheem Sterling, who also found the net for the first time since transferring from Chelsea.
In a night celebrating Arsenal’s emerging talent, goalkeeper Jack Porter took the record as the youngest player to start for the club at 16 years and 72 days, surpassing the previous record set by Cesc Fabregas. Nwaneri, however, continues to hold the distinction of the youngest player to ever appear for Arsenal’s first team, having made his debut at 15 years and 181 days in September 2022.
Nwaneri scored his first goal in the 37th minute after Declan Rice had opened the scoring just 16 minutes into the match at the Emirates Stadium. He followed up with his second goal four minutes into the second half. Bolton managed to get on the scoreboard with Aaron Collins’ goal in the 53rd minute, but Sterling restored Arsenal’s lead in the 64th minute before Kai Havertz sealed the victory in the 77th minute.
In a separate match, Liverpool began their League Cup defense with a dominant 5-1 win over West Ham. The game initially saw Liverpool trailing due to an own goal from Jarell Quansah in the 21st minute, but Diogo Jota quickly leveled the score four minutes later and added another goal shortly after halftime. Mohamed Salah scored in the 74th minute before West Ham’s Edson Alvarez was sent off, which further complicated their comeback efforts. Cody Gakpo capped the match with two late goals in the 90th minute and during stoppage time.
In the draw for the fourth round, Manchester City faces Tottenham, while Liverpool will take on Brighton. Arsenal is set to visit Preston, and Manchester United will host Leicester. Newcastle could meet Chelsea if they can defeat AFC Wimbledon, while there is also an all-Premier League matchup between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. Brentford will host Sheffield Wednesday, and Southampton will play at home against Stoke.