Ethan Nwaneri seizes chance as Raheem Sterling looks bright - Arsenal player ratings vs Bolton
Arsenal cruised into the Carabao Cup fourth round with a 5-1 win over Bolton. The Gunners had a slightly slow start to the game and could have been punished when Scott Arfield blasted over a presentable chance from close range.
They soon found themselves in front though when Declan Rice seized on an error on the edge of the box from Arfield before curling home. From that point on Arsenal were in control and extended their lead just before the break. There could not have been a more popular scorer than Ethan Nwaneri on his first start for the club.
Minutes after the break Nwaneri then added his second and Arsenal's third as the night continued to get better and better for Arsenal. A counter attacking goal from Aaron Collins for the visitors threatened to spoil the party atmosphere but it was not long until Raheem Sterling poked in from a yard out to restore the Gunners' three-goal advantage.
A fifth was then added by substitute Kai Havertz to complete the rout. Here's how football.london rated the Arsenal players individually on the night.
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Jack Porter: Did OK on his big night. Could maybe have been off his line quicker for the goal, but was decent with his feet and dealt with Bolton set pieces. Will go down in the Arsenal history books for a long time. 6.
Josh Nichols: Had a difficult first half at times as he looked a little nervous on the big stage. Recovered to have a better second period though as he grew into the game. 6.
Jakub Kiwior: The most experienced member of the backline, he had to step upon the night and did so well. Playing in multiple positions the Pole looked solid and composed. 8.
Riccardo Calafiori: The Italian is a real bull in a China shop in the best possible way. Bulldozed his way through Bolton on a few occasions. Still looks a little rash at the back on occasion though. 7.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: A superb ball down the left flank in the build up to Nwaneri's first goal. Shows what he can do as an inverted left back. A real shame to see him come off with an injury. Hope that's not serious as more first team opportunities beckon. 8.
Jorginho: Had his lack of pace exposed on the Bolton counter-attacking goal. Was good at the base of the Arsenal midfield aside from that and brought much-needed experience. 7.
Ethan Nwaneri: What a night for the 17-year-old. He may have hoped for a goal on his full debut, but surely in his wildest dreams he couldn't have expected two. Looks totally at home at first team level. 9.
Declan Rice: His goal was a real moment of clinical quality. The England international showed his experience aside from that in the middle of the park. 8.
Bukayo Saka: Terrorised the Bolton left back all night. Totally in control of every duel he had. Grabbed one assist but could have had hat-fulls more. 8.
Gabriel Jesus: Worked himself into the ground up front but that much-craved goal eluded him. A typical Jesus display really. Looked a little frustrated by not scoring but this was a reminder of what he can offer to the team. 7.
Raheem Sterling: Was quiet initially, but once he got going the England winger looked a real threat. Superb delivery down the left hand side and a fully deserved goal to boot. 8.
SUBSTITUTES -
Gabriel: Bolton simply didn't have a sniff after he came on. This level is too easy for him, but he showed great professionalism nonetheless. 7.
Kai Havertz: Another goal for the German who starred in the centre forward position while also dropping into midfield. Could have had a few more in a lively cameo. 7.
Maldini Kacurri: Arsenal's third debutant of the night. A great moment for the young centre back. 7.
Gabriel Martinelli: Looked lively down the left flank after coming on. Could have had an assist and was desperate for a goal. 7.
Ismeal Kabia: Came on too late for a rating. n/a.