Jump directly to the content

ARSENAL are set to play a 16-year-old in goal in their Carabao Cup clash against Bolton.

First choice David Raya is sidelined with injury and second-choice Neto is cup-tied.

Jack Porter is set to make his Arsenal debut against Bolton
2
Jack Porter is set to make his Arsenal debut against BoltonCredit: Getty
David Raya suffered a knock against Man City and is unavailable
2
David Raya suffered a knock against Man City and is unavailableCredit: Reuters

So academy goalkeeper Jack Porter is set to make his debut for the Gunners aged just 16.

The youngster has just featured in one matchday squad for the first-team - sitting on the bench for the Champions League visit to Atalanta.

He only turned 16 in July and has made just six appearances for Arsenal Under-18s, and played once for the Under-21s.

But Porter will not be the youngest player to feature for the Gunners - Ethan Nwaneri holds that honour after making his debut at 15-years-old against Brentford two years ago.

Porter has had a touch of fortune given the injuries to Raya and third-choice goalie Tommy Setford, who arrived at Arsenal this summer.

Raya went down injured against Manchester City on Sunday and was seen limping with a bandage around his knee after the match.

His problem is believed to be minor however and he should be fit to face Leicester at the weekend.

Setford also has a fitness issue and has not been named in the squad since the international break.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Arsenal ratings vs Man City

TEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.

Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta's men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.

Here's how the players rated...

DAVID RAYA – 9

Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. 

RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8

A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.

GABRIEL – 9

Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 8

Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal - but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.

JURRIEN TIMBER – 8

Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7

Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.

DECLAN RICE – 7

Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.

THOMAS PARTEY – 7

Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.

BUKAYO SAKA – 6

Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4

Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  

KAI HAVERTZ – 7

Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.

SUBS

WHITE - 7

(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.

KIWIOR - 6

(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.

JESUS - 6

(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutes

LEWIS SKELLY - 6

(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.

Click here to read more on Arsenal.

While second-choice keeper Neto is cup-tied and cannot play in the competition having started for Bournemouth in their second-round defeat to West Ham before he completed his transfer to North London.

That hands a chance to Porter, who has reportedly trained intermittently with the Arsenal squad since the 2022-23 season.

Mikel Arteta says 'I would be very thick' if he repeated previous mistake as Arsenal boss defends tactics vs Man City
Topics