Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly were both handed their first Arsenal starts against Bolton Wanderers.
A much-changed Arsenal side thrashed Bolton Wanderers 5-1 in an EFL Cup clash at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Whilst Raheem Sterling marked his full debut for the Gunners with a goal and an assist, and 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter broke an Arsenal record, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly were the stars of the show for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Lewis-Skelly made his maiden senior appearance as a substitute against Manchester City last time out in the Premier League, and followed that up with his first start against the League One side.
Lewis-Skelly has re-trained as a left-back, despite being a midfielder by trade, and was deployed in that position against the Trotters. Despite being in an unfamiliar role, the 17-year-old still looked supremely comfortable and enjoyed plenty of possession in more advanced areas.
Meanwhile, Nwaneri showcased his quick feet, clever movement, and coolness in front of goal as he bagged a brace.
His first ever goal in senior football came after Lewis-Skelly played an incisive, defensive-splitting pass to Sterling, who then picked out the England under-19 international with a low cross. Nwaneri timed his run to perfection to arrive in time to tap in from close range.
In the second half, the Hale End academy wonderkid capitalised on a defensive error to burst through on goal and double his tally.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly share key quality
However, beyond all of the aforementioned attributes demonstrated by Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri against Bolton, there was one quality that the duo both showcased in this fixture that Arteta will take immense heart from.
Above all, given that they were both starting a first team match for the first time, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly were able to produce immensely mature and assured performances. The pair played with a calmness that belies their years, and looked certain of their own readiness to flourish on the biggest stage.
The fact the two teenagers already look to have the mentality required to take responsibility on the pitch in the senior side suggests that they are ready for more regular involvement, and possess the temperament needed to truly make the grade.
This quality will convince many Arsenal fans that Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are now destined to shine for the club for many years to come.
Mikel Arteta to develop Arsenal talents
However, Arteta must continue to handle the duo’s development with care.
He has not rushed either player into the limelight, which is perhaps why they both looked so confident against Bolton, as this test was not thrust upon them before they were ready for it.
The Spanish coach must be similarly cautious with the likes of Porter, Josh Nichols, Maldini Kacurri, and Ismeal Kabia, who all also made their debuts against Bolton and may well represent the future of Arsenal.
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