ETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.
Still a teenager, he proved why is so highly-rated with a well-taken double to sink League One Bolton.
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Nwaneri made history two years ago when he became the youngest debutant in Arsenal’s history aged just 15-years-old.
Now 17, he proved why Mikel Arteta thinks so highly of him by pouncing to tap in Raheem Sterling’s low cross and put Arsenal 2-0 up.
He provided energy throughout and showed clever touches in and around the Arsenal box.
Nwaneri’s dream debut then got even better shortly after half-time as he fired under goalkeeper Luke Southwood after being played through by Declan Rice, who opened the scoring.
Arteta will take plenty of positives from the display of the youngsters he deployed, with four Gunners making their Arsenal debuts including 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was the stand-out of the recent academy graduates while Raheem Sterling looked menacing on his full Arsenal debut.
He went off to a standing ovation as Gooners caught a glimpse of the danger he offers, with Gabriel Martinelli at risk of losing his place in the side.
Another who is unlikely to start against Leicester on Saturday is Gabriel Jesus, who again proved wasteful in front of goal.
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Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners display on another night where the Hale End alumni impressed.
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Jack Porter – 6
He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.
There was nothing he could do for the goal as Collins was clean through and had plenty of time to decide his finish, before rounding the goalkeeper and passing into an empty net.
Josh Nichols – 6
Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed Bolton to break and score.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making.
Went close with a long-range shot so is clearly not afraid to let fly from distance. Dealt with John McAtee who is a tricky customer at times.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.
Went off with a knock on the hour mark.
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Jorginho – 6
Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.
One excellent cross to find Sterling who almost found the back of the net.
Declan Rice – 7
Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.
Subbed on the hour mark with Arteta looking to keep his legs fresh.
Ethan Nwaneri – 9
A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals.
Showed great poaching instinct to tap in Sterling’s low cross for the first and fired under the goalkeeper for his second.
Bukayo Saka – 9
Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.
Produced an assist for Sterling’s goal and, on another night, would have had a goal.
Raheem Sterling – 9
A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see.
Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out. He will not score an easier goal in his time with the Gunners, or any club for that matter.
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Gabriel Jesus – 5
Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.
There are still doubts over whether he will score enough goals to help the Gunners win silverware.
Subs
Gabriel (for Lewis-Skelly, 62 mins) – 6
Had virtually nothing to do, with Arsenal in the ascendency from the minute he came on until full time.
Kai Havertz (for Rice, 62 mins) – 6
Got in behind the defence once but his shot from a narrow angle was closed down by the keeper.
Then reacted quickest to score after Sterling had a shot saved.
Maldini Kacurri (for Calafiori, 70mins) – 5
Tidy on the ball and not tested at the back so difficult to judge the debutant.
Gabriel Martinelli (for Saka, 70mins) – 6
Got in behind constantly but failed to make the most of his chances with some wayward crossing.
Ismeal Kabia (for Sterling, 81 mins) – 6
Another debutant but will need to get more minutes to prove what he is all about.
