"Started to show glimpses of what he can do" - Arteta praises Arsenal star's performance in 5-1 Bolton win
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Raheem Sterling’s performance following his side’s 5-1 thrashing of Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday (September 25). Arteta, however, added that the England winger was yet to reach the physical level that he and the coaching staff demand.
Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea on the transfer deadline day this summer, made his first start for the Gunners against Bolton. He starred on the night, scoring his first goal for the north London club and also providing an assist.
Sterling teed up academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri in the 37th minute for the side’s second goal and then got himself on the scoresheet to score Arsenal’s fourth in the 64th minute.
Arteta was happy about Sterling’s display against the League One club. Speaking at the post-match conference, he gave his assessment of the player’s performance (via Fabrizio Romano):
"Raheem Sterling was great. I think he’s started to show glimpses of what he can do, especially in attacking moments. Physically, he needs to get there to the level that we require, but I think it was a massive step".
Mikel Arteta and Raheem Sterling have also previously worked together at Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta on why the Carabao Cup game against Bolton made Arsenal’s academy players happy
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made quite a few changes to his starting XI for the clash against Bolton, with some academy players making their first start for the senior team, while some came on from the bench. Ethan Nwaneri impressed heavily, bagging a brace. Consequently, he was showered with praise by the fans.
Apart from Nwaneri, other Hale End players Josh Nichols, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Jack Porter made their first senior starts. Ismeal Kabia and Maldini Kacurri made their respective senior debuts, coming on as substitutes for Raheem Sterling and Riccardo Calafiori, respectively.
Arteta, meanwhile, shared his thoughts on what this meant to the youngsters. He said as per the club’s official website.
“It’s much better when they earn it and they’re here for the right reasons and they’ve done it," Mikel added. "They did it by proving they could compete at this level in pre-season and that’s why today we trust them to get the job done.
“[The younger players] need to see the door is open, the possibility is there. It’s achievable and hopefully that message gets across. Big credit to everyone involved in the academy. They contributed and gave us these players in the manner that they are, so I think a positive night for the team as well.”