Arsenal returned to winning ways with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night.
Ethan Nwaneri was the stand-out performer. The teenager made his full debut for the Gunners and showed his class with a goal in either half.
Raheem Sterling also made a good impression in his first start for the club. The Chelsea loanee bagged a goal and an assist in the resounding win.
Speaking after the 5-1 win, manager Mikel Arteta had some fond words for the 29-year-old.
The Gunners tactician said that ‘he was great’ and has started to show glimpses of what he can do.
The England international has yet to meet the physical demands required at the London giants, but Arteta believes it was a ‘massive step’ from the winger.
He told Arsenal.com: “He 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 today.”
Sterling started on the left wing for the Gunners yesterday before moving to the right flank after Bukayo Saka’s substitution in the 71st minute.
He completed 21 passes against the Trotters, but was not effective in duels. He won just one out of eight duels while losing possession on 15 occasions.
The attacker needs to work on his physical traits in the coming weeks so that he can push for a starting berth in the big games for the Gunners.
Arsenal will take on Preston North End on the road in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The Gunners will immediately turn their focus to the Premier League where they are scheduled to host Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.
Stats from Sofascore.com
