New signing Raheem Sterling contributed one goal and one assist as Arsenal defeated third-tier Bolton 5-1 in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Goals: Rice 16′, Nwaneri 37′, 49′, Sterling 64′, Havertz 77′ – Collins 53′.
Manager Mikel Arteta made eight changes from the team that drew with Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Riccardo Calafiori retained their starting spots alongside young talents Joshua Nichols (18), Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly (17).
In goal for Arsenal was Jack Porter, filling in for the injured David Raya. Neto had already played in the previous round against Bournemouth, making him ineligible for this match. At 16 years and 72 days, Porter became the youngest player to start for Arsenal and can only sign a professional contract next year when he turns 17.
Bolton also made seven changes from their starting lineup that won 5-2 against Reading in League One, indicating they did not prioritize the cup. This match marked their first encounter with Arsenal since the 2011-2012 Premier League season, when they drew 0-0 at home and lost 1-2 away.
The difference in quality was evident in the first half, with Arsenal dominating possession at 74% and taking 12 shots—six times more than Bolton. The Gunners opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Rice converted a cross from the right with a precise finish beyond goalkeeper Luke Southwood.
In his first start for Arsenal, Raheem Sterling made his mark by providing a low cross for Nwaneri to tap into an empty net, doubling the lead in the 37th minute. This was Sterling’s first goal for Arsenal and his initial assist for the club.
Early in the second half, Nwaneri scored again with a close-range shot after Rice intercepted a pass just outside the box. Nwaneri is part of a new generation of talent at the Emirates, having made history as the youngest player to appear for Arsenal and in the Premier League when he played at Brentford in September 2022 at just 15 years and 181 days old.
Sterling and substitute Kai Havertz added to the scoreline with close-range goals in the 64th and 77th minutes, respectively. Bolton managed to pull one back in the 53rd minute when Aaron Collins accelerated past Porter and slotted the ball into an empty net.
This victory marked Arsenal’s 21st win in 30 matches across all competitions in 2024, achieving a 70% success rate. They matched their best record from 1932, winning 35 out of 50 games.
In the fourth round, scheduled for the week starting October 28, Arsenal will face lower-league Preston North End, who currently play in the Championship. This weekend, they will meet Leicester in the Premier League, followed by a home clash with PSG in the second round of the Champions League group stage.