Arsenal kicked off their Caraboa campaign in style, netting five goals to secure a dominant 5-1 victory over Bolton in the first round.
Mikel Arteta rotated his squad significantly following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Manchester City over the weekend, with only four players retaining their spots in the starting XI. Raheem Sterling, making his fist start for the Gunners since joining on loan, made an immediate impact by scoring in the comprehensive win.
Bolton also made changes, with the manager Ian Evatt bringing in seven new faces after their 5-2 triumph over Reading. Despite the adjustments, Arsenal quickly took control of the game, dominating possession in the opening stages. The breakthrough came when Ethan Nwaneri’s cross found Declan Rice, who expertly fired home from 18 yards.
The Gunners continued to press, and a low cross from Sterling allowed Nwaneri to slot in the second goal just before half-time. Nwaneri then added his second goal early in the second half, capitalizing on a defensive error to score from 16 yard out.
Bolton responded with a goal of their own with a counter-attack when John McAtee set up Aron Collins, who rounded the keeper before shooting home to reduce the deficit. However, Arsenal restored their advantage when Bukayo Saka’s cross led to Sterling tap-in after a fumble by the goal-keeper.
The Gunners capped off their night with a fifth goal in the 78th minute, as Sterling’s shot was targeted into the path of Kai Havertz, who finished from close range.
Arsenal controlled the remainder of the game and cruised to a comfortable 5-1 win, advancing to the next round of the competition.
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