Arsenal’s teen goalkeeper Jack Porter sets unique shirt number record after making debut for Gunners in Carabao Cup
Teenage Arsenal goalkeeper Jack Porter, wearing shirt number 92, set a new club record after making his senior debut for the side in their 5-1 win over Bolton Wanderers. The youngster helped his side progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in style.
Still only 16 years old, Porter was a surprise inclusion in the Gunners' starting XI for the clash against League Two side Bolton at the Emirates. The teenager was the most senior goalkeeper available for his side, with the club's first, second and third-choice goalkeepers all unavailable for the game.
The youngster has previously appeared for the club at the under-21 level in the PL2 this season, and was on the bench against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League.
Jack Porter wore the number 92 jersey for Mikel Arteta's side against Bolton, making it the highest shirt number to feature in a competitive game for the club. The youngster overtook former academy star Bukayo Saka, who previously held the record, having debuted with the #87 shirt in 2018.
Porter also became the youngest-ever goalkeeper to appear in a competitive game for Arsenal. He put on a decent showing in what was a dominant performance from his side, making seven recoveries and one high claim, as well as one punch.
Arsenal boss Arteta was forced to start Porter between the sticks as first-choice goalkeeper David Raya was out with an injury. Second-choice Neto was cup-tied, having already appeared for Bournemouth in the competition, and third-choice Tommy Setford was out with an injury, as well.
Arsenal youngster sends message to manager with impressive Carabao Cup showing
Arsenal teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri has sent a message to manager Mikel Arteta with his two-goal display in the Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers. The 17-year-old was included from the start against the Trotters, and he justified his inclusion with a brace.
Nwaneri scored with both of the shots he attempted in his time on the pitch, recording a 100% shot accuracy, while touching the ball five times in the opposition box. He also created two chances and completed a dribble, while also registering a pass into the final third from central midfield.
With club captain Martin Odegaard still out injured, Arteta has opted for Leandro Trossard to start in midfield, while Nwaneri has had to be content with a bench role. The youngster showed against Bolton that he can hold his own, possibly giving the manager some food for thought ahead of the weekend's league tie against Leicester City.