16-year-old becomes second youngest player in Arsenal history | OneFootball

Jack Porter has become the second youngest player in Arsenal history after being named in the starting lineup for Wednesday night's Carabao Cup clash with Bolton Wanderers.

At 16 years and 72 days, having celebrated his birthday in July, Porter is behind only Ethan Nwaneri on the all-time list – Nwaneri debuted in 2022 at 15 years and 181 days. It has pushed Cesc Fabregas, who first played for Arsenal at 16 years and 177 days in 2003, down to third.

Until now, Arsenal's youngster goalkeeper had been Malcolm Webster, aged 18 years and 308 days, from 1969. Porter has broken that record by more than two years.

The 16-year-old has already had some exposure to first-team training during the past couple of seasons and was on the bench for the recent Champions League draw against Atalanta. But his debut now has come largely as a result of circumstances.

First choice goalkeeper David Raya suffered a thigh injury during the weekend's 2-2 draw with Manchester City. Former back-up Aaron Ramsdale was sold during the summer to Southampton and replaced by veteran Brazilian stopper Neto, who is cup-tied in this competition.

David Raya picked up an injury against Man City / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

Arsenal's third choice this season is the slightly more senior Tommy Setford, 18, signed from Ajax recently. But an injury has arguably denied him his own Gunners debut.

Porter wasn't the only teenager on Mikel Arteta's teamsheet against Bolton. The aforementioned Nwaneri started on the right flank, with 17-year-old midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly getting the nod.

Arteta took this opportunity to hand a first start in an Arsenal shirt to senior star Raheem Sterling, having only made substitute appearances since his summer move from Chelsea until now. Bukayo Saka skippered the side against City but the armband passed to Jorginho for this one.