'Nervous', 'Passionate' 'Spectacular' - 9/10 and plenty of 7/10s as Arsenal debutants shine in 5-1 win over Bolton

Arsenal are safely through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a squad filled with four debutants and three making their first Emirates stars defiantly beat League One’s Bolton Wanderers 5-1.

It was a predictably unexciting and cautious first half for the Gunners due to the number of under 18s starting but, once their groove was found, little would stop them.

A poor ball from new Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, coming in as centre-back, saw beginners nerves turn to absolute fear when Bolton were provided with the first opportunity to find the back of the net. However, after 15 minutes of playing around, it would be Gunners star Declan Rice to make the break through, after an admittedly poor pass from debutant Josh Nicholls found Rice at the top of the box.

Making his first N7 appearance, Ethan Nwaneri then found the end of a Raheem Sterling cross just over 20 minutes later to solidify his status as a future Gunners star and just three minutes after half-time, the perfect Emirates debut continued with Nwaneri doubling his tally.

Bolton did enjoy a fine breakaway moment with Aaron Collins’ giving his fans a brief moment of joy but it would not last long as Saka and Sterling quickly teamed up to give the former Manchester City star his first Gunners goal, and Arsenal their fourth of the night.

Kai Havertz would be the last to score as Mikel Arteta’s side sent the Wanderers away with little to smile about as they make their four hour journey back north.

Here are LondonWorld’s player ratings following Arsenal’s x win over Bolton...

GK Jack Porter - 6

Certainly a nervous performance from the 16-year-old debutant and a situation in which Arteta will hope he does not find himself too often. 

However, was luckily not troubled too frequently and can blame the rest of his defence for being unable to track back in time to help with Aaron Collins’ goal.  

RB Josh Nichols - 6

Arsenal debut

At times a shaky debut for the 18-year-old but exceptionally eager to contribute and unintentionally helpd assist Rice’s opening goal. 

CB Jakub Kiwior - 6

A strong and timely performance from the defender who’s Emirates future remains uncertain 

CB Riccardo Calafiori - 7

A fine alternative to the prodigious pairing of Saliba and Gabriel, highlighting the exceptional depth in Arsenal’s defence. It was, however, poor showing that no-one could make it back in time to prevent Collins’ goal. 

LB Myles Lewis Skelly - 7

A superb Emirates debut for the 17-year-old who was subbed off after 60 minutes with potential injury. The left-back crossed well and helped set-up Sterling’s assist in Nwaneri’s first goal.

LM Declan Rice - 8

Yet another excellent Rice performance with the England international scoring after 15 minutes. Josh Nichols sent in arguably a poor ball which was found by the number 41 at the top of the box. 

Beautifully gave up the ball to allow Nwaneri to score his second goal of the match and was subbed off to enjoy well-earned rest after 60 minutes.  

CM Jorginho - 8 

Was everywhere he needed to be for his team, defending well when needing and providing strong, prominent figure in the centre of the pitch. Arteta will not be sorry if Jorginho needs to continue his time as captain.

RM Ethan Nwaneri - 9

A fantastic Emirates debut for the 17-year-old who not only played confidently, assertively and passionately, but would go on to score a brace to confirm his status as a future Arsenal great. 

RW Bukayo Saka - 7

It’s never a bad day for Saka but it was also not one of his busiest. Arsenal’s ‘starboy’ did well to offer plenty of balls into the box with one eventually being edged into the goal by Sterling. 

LW Raheem Sterling - 7

It was certainly a tale of two halves for the Emirates debutant who arguably took 35 minutes to get into the game. 

However, the winger then enjoyed an assist and scoring his first Gunners’ goal to make up for his early faux pas, sending the Gunners crowd into further exultation. 

STR Gabriel Jesus - 5

The Brazilian was not without his chances but on a day when he needed to deliver, and prove his worth in front of goal, Jesus did not. 

Gabriel - 6

The Gunners’ defence undoubtedly relaxed once the Brazilian centre-back came onto the pitch. While the centre-back did not have to do much, his presence was enough to steady the ship. 

Kai Havertz - 7

Replacing Declan Rice would not be Havertz’ natural position in the Arsenal line-up but the German would go on to score the Gunners’ fifth goal of the night. 

Gabriel Martinelli 

Joined the action in 69th minute with Arsenal well on the charge for fine victory

Maldini Kacurri 

The centre-back paired up with Gabriel in 69th minute of play and had little to worry about.  

Ismael Kabia 

Another Arsenal debutant who entered the pitch in 80th minute.