‘So pleased’: David Seaman was ecstatic with the performance of Ethan Nwaneri and another youthful Arsenal début last night, expressing his satisfaction

Arsenal advanced to the fourth round of the League Cup with a 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night.

The Gunners’ starting lineup featured five debutants, including four adolescents, as Mikel Arteta initiated the lineup alterations.

Jack Porter and Josh Nichols made their senior debuts for Arsenal, while Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri made their complete debuts.

Raheem Sterling also made his first start for the North Londoners since his summer transfer from Chelsea.

Alexei Rojas, Maldini Kacurri, Ayden Heaven, and Ismeal Kabia were an additional four academy talents on Arsenal’s bench.

Nwaneri was the hero of the show, scoring a brace to commemorate his complete debut, while Sterling scored his first goal on his debut.

Declan Rice and Kai Havertz also contributed to the score, while Aaron Collins scored Bolton’s consolation goal with an effort that Porter was unable to prevent.

Jack Porter, a teenage Arsenal player, is praised by David Seaman.

Porter made Arsenal history by becoming the youngest player to ever start a game for the club, at the age of 16 years and 72 days, after replacing David Raya in goal.

Porter was also singled out for commendation by Highbury icon David Seaman, despite the fact that Nwaneri’s scintillating brace garnered him the prominence.

Seaman praised Porter’s performance in the comments of an Arsenal post on X, stating, “I am overjoyed to witness this young man’s Arsenal debut go so well!” #safehands Jack!

History-maker 📚

Get to know Jack Porter, our youngest-ever player in a starting XI 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 25, 2024

What was the media’s assessment of Porter’s exhibition?

Porter was rated a 6 out of 10 by Football.london, who stated that he “performed satisfactorily on his significant occasion.”

They continued, “He could have been more timely in his departure from his line for the goal, but he was competent with his feet and effectively managed Bolton’s set pieces.”

“Will be etched into the annals of Arsenal history for an extended period.”

In the same vein, Goal.com awarded him a 6 out of 10 rating, stating that it was “a significant night for the youngest player to start a game for Arsenal.”

“Despite the fact that the 16-year-old had minimal responsibilities, she exuded a sense of assurance on such a significant occasion.” Collins was left alone, and he broke clear to score.

How has Porter performed this season and when did he join Arsenal?

Porter was admitted to Arsenal in 2020, according to the organization’s official website.

Before signing scholarship terms in the summer, he made four appearances for Jack Wilshere’s academy side in the Under-18 Premier League last season.

Porter has conceded five times in two U18 Premier League appearances this season and has also conceded once in one Premier League 2 outing for the Under-21s.

Additionally, the adolescent has represented England at the Under-16 and Under-17 levels.

Porter was named to Arsenal’s first-team substitute for the Champions League match against Atalanta last week.

He was a member of the travelling squad for the Manchester City match on Sunday and the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.