Jack Porter grew to become Arsenal’s youngest-ever participant to begin a first-team sport when the 16-year-old goalkeeper made his debut in a 5-1 win over Bolton within the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
At 16 years, 72 days previous, Porter surpassed membership icon Cesc Fabregas, who was 16 years, 177 days when he began in opposition to Rotherham in October 2003.
Porter was chosen rather than first selection David Raya, who was dominated out with a thigh damage, Arsenal stated. Raya left Etihad Stadium with a bandage round his proper knee after choosing up an damage in final weekend’s 2-2 draw at Manchester Metropolis.
With Neto — a summer season mortgage signing from Bournemouth — cup-tied and 18-year-old understudy Tommy Setford additionally injured, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has referred to as on Porter, who solely turned 16 in July.
Porter has skilled with the primary staff on a number of events beforehand and was named among the many substitutes for final week’s Champions League journey to Atalanta which ended 0-0.
He solely signed scholarship phrases with the Gunners in the summertime and can’t agree an expert contract till subsequent 12 months when he turns 17.
As ESPN reported on deadline day, Arsenal tried to signal two goalkeepers late within the window, having allowed Aaron Ramsdale to affix Southampton in a everlasting deal and Karl Hein to maneuver to Actual Valladolid on mortgage.
After securing Neto’s arrival, they explored a deal for Joan García at Espanyol whereas additionally making an strategy for Wolves’ Dan Bentley however had been unable to safe an settlement.
Arteta rotated his aspect for the sport in opposition to Bolton with children Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly amongst these included, whereas Raheem Sterling made his first begin after arriving on a season-long mortgage from Chelsea.
Nwaneri, who scored twice in opposition to Bolton, holds the report because the youngest participant to signify Arsenal’s first staff after approaching instead aged 15 years, 181 days in September 2022.
Info from The Related Press contributed to this report.