Ethan Nwaneri will never forget this night after an impressive full debut for Arsenal, where he netted twice to lead the team to a 2-1 victory over Bolton from League One. Now 17, Nwaneri highlighted his immense talent, having already made history as the youngest player to ever debut for the club at just 15.

His first goal came from a clever tap-in off Raheem Sterling’s low cross, showcasing his instinct for finding the net. Throughout the match, Nwaneri’s energy and skill were palpable, culminating in a second goal where he coolly slotted the ball under goalkeeper Luke Southwood, following a precise pass from Declan Rice.

Player Ratings

Jack Porter – 6
Despite his tender age of 16, Porter performed well overall, with only one minor mishap when a pass was intercepted.

Josh Nichols – 6
Showed potential as a right-back but faced little defensive pressure during the match.

Jakub Kiwior – 6
Managed Bolton’s aerial threats effectively but positioned himself too far up the pitch at times, creating gaps in defense.

Riccardo Calafiori – 7
A composed defender who resembles David Luiz in style, he nearly scored from distance and successfully contained tricky opponents.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Displayed excellent composure and control in midfield, effectively connecting with Sterling before leaving the match with an injury.

Jorginho – 6
Maintained a steady flow of play but faced limited challenges from Bolton’s attack.

Declan Rice – 7
Executed his goal well and was a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s strategy before being substituted to conserve energy.

Ethan Nwaneri – 9
A night to remember, as Nwaneri marked his first start with two goals that highlighted his sharp instincts and finishing ability.

Bukayo Saka – 9
A constant threat on the field, he delivered a key assist and was influential from both open play and set pieces.

Raheem Sterling – 9
Showcased relentless energy, culminating in a well-deserved goal as he played a key role throughout the match.

Gabriel Jesus – 5
Though energetic and stylish in attack, he struggled with finishing, raising concerns about his scoring potential.

Substitutes

Gabriel (for Lewis-Skelly, 62 mins) – 6
Had little to do defensively as Arsenal took control after his entry.

Kai Havertz (for Rice, 62 mins) – 6
Made an impactful entry, scoring quickly after reacting to a saved shot from Sterling.

Maldini Kacurri (for Calafiori, 70 mins) – 5
Had a tidy performance but faced no significant tests, making it difficult to gauge his impact.

Gabriel Martinelli (for Saka, 70 mins) – 6
Consistently threatened the defense but struggled to convert his opportunities into effective crosses.

Ismeal Kabia (for Sterling, 81 mins) – 6
Another debutant who will need more game time to prove his abilities.