Arsenal vs Bolton Player Ratings as the Gunners run riot in a 5-1 win with Ethan Nwaneri grabbing a brace

Arsenal hosted Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in Round 3 of the EFL Cup on Wednesday, September 25 in their opening fixture in the competition.

Despite it being a cup game, Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta fielded a lineup mixed with academy players and experienced players. The highlight was a full professional debut for 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter. The hosts made a strong start to the contest with Declan Rice sharp near the edge of the box as he pounced on a mistake by a Bolton defender and scored in the 16^th minute to make it 1-0.

Arsenal maintained the pressure and continued to create chances as Raheem Sterling burst forward onto the left wing in the 37^th minute and played a lovely cross into the box. Ethan Nwaneri was there to tap-in what was his first senior goal for the Gunners as they led 2-0 at half-time.

Nwaneri grabbed his second goal of the night just four minutes after the restart as he was played through on goal by Rice. Despite Bolton custodian Luke Southwood getting a touch on the ball, it rolled into the net for 3-0. The visitors then bagged a consolation goal via Aaron Collins as John McAtee assisted it. However, that was their only respite as Arsenal kept coming at them.

Sterling then bagged his first goal for his new club in the 64^th minute as the ball ricocheted and fell straight to him. Kai Havertz then added a fifth goal in the 77^th minute as Arsenal ran riot and secured a thumping 5-1 to progress to Round 4 in the EFL Cup. On that note, let’s take a look at their player ratings.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Bolton:

Goalkeeper

Jack Porter – 6.5/10

The teenager made his full debut for the Gunners and did not have to make a single save in a fairly straightforward win.

Defenders

Josh Nichols – 6.5/10

Nichols won both his duels and also made two clearances in a decent performance.

Jakub Kiwior – 7/10

Kiwior was solid in defence for Arsenal as he won six duels, making two clearances and two tackles in the process. He also attempted two shots that were blocked.

Riccardo Calafiori – 6.5/10

Calafiori had a decent game as he won two duels but was also the only Arsenal player to be booked for a foul in the first half.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7/10

He was crucial in the build-up for his team’s second goal with a lovely line-breaking pass. Lewis-Skelly also won seven duels and played two long balls.

Midfielders

Ethan Nwaneri – 8.5/10

The youngster grabbed his first and second senior goals for the club on either side of half-time in a clinical performance and was shown adoration by the home supporters.

Jorginho – 7.5/10

Tasked with being the skipper for the Gunners, the Italian put in a solid performance in midfield. He won four duels and played six long balls.

Declan Rice – 8.5/10

Rice scored the game’s opening goal by showing great awareness near the edge of the box. He then assisted Arsenal’s third goal with a nice pass for Nwaneri. He also made three interceptions.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka – 8/10

Saka attempted three shots but just one was on target. He also played six key passes and won three duels in a good performance.

Gabriel Jesus – 7.5/10

Jesus showed some slick footwork on multiple occasions and played two key passes. However, his luck seemed to run out in front of goal as he attempted five shots and failed to hit the target.

Raheem Sterling – 8/10

Sterling provided an assist for his team’s second goal and also bagged his first goal for the club with a tap-in in a composed performance.

Substitutes

Gabriel Magalhaes – 6.5/10

Gabriel replaced Lewis-Skelly and played well to see out the game.

Kai Havertz – 7.5/10

Havertz came on in the second half and grabbed the Gunners’ fifth goal late on.

Maldini Kacurri – 6.5/10

Kacurri replaced Calafiori and put in a decent shift.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6.5/10

He replaced Saka and played well throughout the game.

Ismeal Kabia – 6.5/10

Kabia replaced Sterling late in the game and played well.

Manager

Mikel Arteta – 8/10

Arteta chose to start some crucial players although he could have rested them but got the gameplan absolutely right in a dominant win.

Bolton Player Ratings vs Arsenal:

Goalkeeper

Luke Southwood – 5.5/10

Southwood struggled and conceded five in a poor performance.

Defenders

Chris Forino – 5.5/10

He made an error leading to Arsenal’s first goal and also suffered an injury.

Ricardo Santos – 6/10

He struggled in defence in a heavy defeat.

Eoin Toal – 6/10

Toal had a poor game in defence.

Midfielders

Josh Dacres-Cogley – 6.5/10

One of Bolton’s better players, the lack of support meant his contribution was insignificant.

Scott Arfield – 5.5/10

Arfield struggled during the game and put in a subpar performance.

Josh Sheehan – 6.5/10

Sheehan had a decent game in midfield.

Kyle Dempsey – 6.5/10

Dempsey had a decent game in midfield as well.

Randell Williams – 6/10

Williams played the entire 90 and did reasonably well.

Forwards

John McAtee – 6.5/10

He provided the assist for Bolton’s consolation goal.

Aaron Collins – 7.5/10

He scored his team’s only goal of the match.

Substitutes

Jay Matete – 6/10

He replaced Dempsey in the second half and could not make an impact.

George Thomason – 6.5/10

Thomason replaced Arfield and did better than him.

George Johnston – 6/10

He replaced the injured Forino and did well.

Victor Adeboyejo & Dion Charles – N/A

They came on after the match was already decided.

Manager

Ian Evatt – 5/10

Evatt was helpless against a much superior opponent and struggled.

ALSO READ: Chelsea 5-0 Barrow Players Ratings as Nkunku steals the show with a stellar hat-trick

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)