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Arsenal secured a thumping 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in Round 3 of the EFL Cup at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, September 25.
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Despite it being a cup game, Mikel Arteta chose to go with a strong lineup, fielding experienced players alongside a few academy graduates. The hosts made a strong start to the game and looked sharp as Declan Rice pounced on an error by Chris Forino to make it 1-0 in the 16th minute from a shot from outside the box. They continued to push forward, pushing Bolton onto the back foot.
The Gunners' second goal came in the 37th minute as Ethan Nwaneri grabbed his first senior goal for the club. Myles Lewis-Skelly released Raheem Sterling down the left wing, with the England international squaring the ball perfectly for Nwaneri to tap-in from close range. Bolton attempted two shots but failed to trouble 16-year-old debutant Jack Porter in Arsenal's goal as the hosts led 2-0 at the break.
Arsenal made a great start to the second half as well. Nwaneri was on the scoresheet once against as he bagged a brace with Rice grabbing an assist for their third goal after 49 minutes. Bolton showed some resolve, though, and hit back with a goal of their own just four minutes later. Forwards John McAtee and Aaron Collins combined as the latter rounded the goalkeeper and scored to make it 3-1.
Sterling then opened his scoring account for the Gunners as he made it 4-1 with a simple tap-in in the 64th minute following a saved shot. His late attempt then paved the way for substitute Kai Havertz to put the icing on the cake with a goal to make it 5-1 after 77 minutes. The hosts then played a composed game to see out a dominant result.
The Gunners advance to Round 4 of the EFL Cup where they will travel to face Preston North End. On that note, let's take a look at their player ratings from this match.
Arsenal Player Ratings
Jack Porter - 6/10
Porter did not make a single save in his first senior appearance for Arsenal but comfortably made it through the 90 minutes.
Josh Nichols - 7/10
Nichols won both his duels and also made two clearances. He passed the ball with 88% accuracy and played the entire game.
Jakub Kiwior - 7.5/10
Kiwior was solid in defence for the Gunners as he won six duels, making two clearances and two tackles. He also attempted two shots that were blocked.
Riccardo Calafiori - 6.5/10
Calafiori won two duels but was also the only Arsenal player booked in this match.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 7/10
Lewis-Skelly played a lovely pass to create the chance for his team's second goal. He also won seven duels and made one tackle.
Ethan Nwaneri - 8.5/10
One of the stars for the Gunners, Nwaneri scored on either side of half-time as he bagged his first goals as a senior player. He also won three duels and played two key passes.
Jorginho - 7.5/10
Jorginho captained the side and put in a solid performance in midfield, winning four of his five duels and passing the ball with 92% accuracy.
Declan Rice - 8.5/10
Rice scored the opening goal of the game and then assisted his side's third goal. He played three other key passes and also made three interceptions.
Bukayo Saka - 8/10
Saka was lively on the right flank as he attempted three shots, with one of them on target. He created several openings with six key passes and one long ball, and also won three duels.
Gabriel Jesus - 7.5/10
Jesus showed great footwork on multiple occasions as he completed five dribbles past players. However, he was off-colour in front of goal with none of his five shots hitting the target.
Raheem Sterling - 8/10
Sterling assisted his team's second goal and then scored his first Arsenal goal in the second half. He also attempted two other shots on target.
Substitutes
Gabriel Magalhaes - 6.5/10
Gabriel replaced the injured Lewis-Skelly and added solidity to the hosts' backline.
Kai Havertz - 7.5/10
Havertz replaced Rice and bagged Arsenal's fifth goal in the 77th minute with a deft finish.
Maldini Kacurri - 7/10
Kacurri showed great potential after coming on to replace Calafiori in the second half and looked composed in defence.
Gabriel Martinelli - 6.5/10
Martinelli replaced Saka in the second period and put in a decent shift.
Ismeal Kabia - 6.5/10
He replaced Sterling late in the game but could not make much of an impact.
