Paul Merson says something ‘very rare’ has just happened at Arsenal, it’s truly ‘unbelievable’

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made some bold decisions in the EFL Cup game against Bolton Wanderers.

The Gunners were always the favourites to win the game, irrespective of the players they would deploy. However, it was a surprise to see Arteta hand starts to four teenagers.

Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Josh Nichols all took part in Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States, so they had some experience playing in front of a big crowd.

However, the other teenager in the starting lineup was Jack Porter – he was thrown into the senior side for the first time ever because David Raya, Neto and Tommy Setford were all unavailable.

Paul Merson delivers verdict on Jack Porter after his Arsenal debut

What a magnificent moment it was for Porter to make his senior debut at the age of just 16.

Arteta has shown over the years that he isn’t afraid to give young players an opportunity, but we’re sure even he wouldn’t have planned to throw the teenager into the side this early.

Porter became the youngest goalkeeper in Arsenal’s history to play for the first team, and he did a decent job against Bolton Wanderers.

Paul Merson has been in and around the game for a long time, but he still can’t believe that such a young goalkeeper was given a chance in the first team – it’s very rare for a 16-year-old.

He has now hailed Porter for his achievement and also praised Arsenal for having the belief to give him the chance.

Merson said on Sky Sports: “This is an unbelievable story. Believe me, an unbelievable story. My little boy is in the academy at Chelsea, I see the academy stuff now. That is phenomenal.

“For that kid to get into Arsenal, which is like a Rolls-Royce of a football club, a massive football club, at 16 years of age and playing in goal for Arsenal, I just can’t explain how big that is.

“Goalkeepers usually become better at 25, 26, 27 and the older you get. This kid to be in there at 16, honestly, fair play to him. It takes a lot of credit for the hard work he has done. Fair play to Arsenal for giving him that belief.

“That is very rare. I don’t think that happens too often in football, a 16-year-old making his debut for a big, big football club in goal.

“Wow, honestly I can’t express how much effort and hard work and how talented this kid must be to be playing in goal at 16.”

READ MORE: How Jack Porter reacted to being handed Arsenal debut as Mikel Arteta explains surprise decision

What’s next for Jack Porter at Arsenal

Porter will remember his Arsenal debut for a long, long time.

The teenager must have done something right in training to catch Arteta’s eye, and it was great to see him get a chance on the big stage against Bolton.

We don’t expect Porter to get another opportunity this season because Raya is expected to be back from his injury soon, as is fellow youngster Setford.

However, that shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing for Porter. He will get plenty of opportunities in the academy sides, and all he needs to do now is continue to impress.

Like Wednesday night, you never know when you’ll get an opportunity. He needs to work hard and be prepared to deliver in case another chance comes up.