I could have scored the second goal, but Arteta refused to give it to me, so I wasted it. Either sell him, or I’m going to have to go. Declan Rice was upset with an Arsenal player today because he wouldn’t give the ball to him.

Arsenal got their EFL Cup campaign underway with 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday evening.

Arsenal welcomed League One’s Bolton to the Emirates Stadium for this cup tie, as Mikel Arteta named a much-changed side from that which took on Manchester City last time out in the Premier League

Confirmation of David Raya’s injury, and Neto’s ineligibility for this fixture, meant that 16-year-old shot-stopper Jack Porter was handed his first team debut.

Fellow Hale End academy talents Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Josh Nichols were all also named in Arteta’s XI, whilst Raheem Sterling was granted his first start for the Gunners since signing on loan from Chelsea on Transfer Deadline Day.

Arsenal player ratings vs Bolton Wanderers
Jack Porter – 7
Porter was sent a message by Aaron Ramsdale ahead of his debut, and can be proud of his efforts on the night. Could do nothing to prevent the Bolton goal.

Josh Nichols – 7
Making his Arsenal debut, Nichols played a key role in the build up to Declan Rice’s goal which will have given his confidence a boost. Coped well throughout.

Jakub Kiwior – 6
As one of the more experienced figures in the rearguard, Arteta will have been looking for Jakub Kiwior to show leadership. However, the 24-year-old made a couple of clumsy challenges early on, before growing into the game.

Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Guilty of one or two lapses in concentration on the ball, but showed great willingness to get forward and make his presence felt in the final third, despite starting as a centre-back in this match.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Lewis-Skelly has been re-trained as a left-back and filled-in in that role today, despite being a midfielder by trade. The 17-year-old showed great maturity and played with real confidence, producing a spectacular pass in the build up to the second goal.

Jorginho – 6
Jorginho got done for pace for Bolton’s goal, but his experience and leadership will have been crucial given how many youngsters were included in the Arsenal team.

Ethan Nwaneri – 9
A brace for Nwaneri as the wonderkid made his first Arsenal start. Arteta will be expecting big things from this dazzling teenage talent, and he certainly looks ready to shine at the highest level on a more regular basis now.

Declan Rice – 8
Opened the scoring for the hosts after around a quarter of an hour with a clinical finish from just outside the box and showed his class throughout.

Bukayo Saka – 7
Whilst he didn’t find the back of the net himself, Bukayo Saka never needed to get out of first gear for his class to shine through against the League One side.

Raheem Sterling – 8
Sterling marked his first Arsenal start with a goal and an assist, as he sought to show the North London faithful that he can make a real impact this season.

Gabriel Jesus – 7
Gabriel Jesus was clearly trying to send a message to Arteta with this performance, as he is trying to fight his way back into the regular starting XI. The Brazilian striker played with great energy, but the finishing touch was lacking.

Substitutes

Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Came on and added experience.

Kai Havertz – 7
Grabbed his third goal of the season and Arsenal’s fifth of the night.

Maldini Kacurri – 6
Another debutant, Maldini Kacurri looked assured at the back.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Came on to afford Saka something of a rest.