LONDON — Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri scored twice in a 5-1 win over third-division Bolton in the English League Cup on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old Nwaneri made a statement in his first senior start, while new signing Raheem Sterling also scored his first goal since joining from Chelsea.
On a night when some of Arsenal’s next generation showcased their talent, goalkeeper Jack Porter became the youngest player to start for the London club aged 16 years, 72 days. Porter broke the record of club icon, Cesc Fabregas, who was 16 years, 177 days when he made his first start.
But Nwaneri holds the record as the youngest player to appear for Arsenal’s first team, having come on as a substitute aged 15 years, 181 days in September 2022.
He registered his first senior goal in the 37th minute at the Emirates Stadium after Declan Rice had given Arsenal the lead in the 16th.
Nwaneri struck his second four minutes into the second half.
Aaron Collins pulled a goal back for Bolton in the 53rd, but Sterling struck in the 64th and Kai Havertz completed the rout in the 77th.