Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta makes sweeping changes for Wednesday’s EFL Cup third-round tie with Bolton Wanderers, where four teenagers will make their full debuts.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made sweeping changes for Wednesday’s EFL Cup third-round tie with Bolton Wanderers, where four teenagers will make their full debuts.
The Gunners boss has handed starts to all of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Joshua Nichols and 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter, who become the first players born after the opening of the Emirates in 2006 to play in a competitive game at the stadium for Arsenal.
Porter has also set a club record as the youngest player to start a competitive match for the Gunners at just 16 years and 72 days, breaking the previous record held by a 16-year and 177-days old Cesc Fabregas in 2003.
The 2008-born shot-stopper starts thanks to his three seniors being unavailable, with David Raya and Tommy Setford both injured, while Bournemouth loanee Neto is cup-tied after representing the Cherries in the second round.
Porter is one of three teenagers making their first starts at the back, as Lewis-Skelly starts on the left after his late cameo against Manchester City, while 18-year-old Joshua Nichols will make his debut at right-back.
Riccardo Calafiori has overcome a knock sustained at the Etihad to partner Jakub Kiwior in the centre of defence, while Jorginho and the ever-present Declan Rice offer some valuable experience in midfield.
Further forward, Nwaneri will seemingly operate in the number 10 position on his first start for the club, having already made history as the Premier League’s youngest-ever player when he came off the bench against Brentford in September 2022.
The 17-year-old starts in between Bukayo Saka – who only lasted 45 minutes against Man City due to Leandro Trossard‘s sending-off – and Raheem Sterling, who is the fifth man to make his full Arsenal debut this evening.
Arsenal starting lineup: Porter; Nichols, Kiwior, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Jorginho; Saka, Nwaneri, Sterling; Jesus
Subs: Rojas, Saliba, Gabriel, Kacurri, Heaven, Havertz, Partey, Martinelli, Kabia
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