Arsenal fans all have a lot to say about Raheem Sterling after he made his full debut vs Bolton

Raheem Sterling made his first start for Arsenal against Bolton Wanderers in an EFL Cup clash on Wednesday night. 

Arsenal demolished League One’s Bolton Wanderers by a 5-1 scoreline at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta made big changes to his starting XI for this fixture, with debuts and first starts being handed out to a number of players.

Amongst them was Arsenal record breaker Jack Porter, as the 16-year-old goalkeeper was called upon to take the place of the injured David Raya.

Meanwhile, Hale End academy duo Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed, both making their first starts for the North London club. Nwaneri was even able to bag a brace, making it abundantly clear that he is now ready to feature for the senior side on a regular basis.

Another player to find the back of the net on his first Arsenal start was Raheem Sterling. The Chelsea loanee picked up an assist for Nwaneri’s first goal, and then opened his own account for the Gunners with a tap in in the second half.

Arsenal fans give verdict on Raheem Sterling vs Bolton Wanderers

Arsenal supporters on X were keeping a close eye on Sterling in this match, trying to get a sense of what the 29-year-old will bring to Arteta’s squad this season.

One said: “He’s going to be an unreal get from us isn’t he? Brings us something we don’t have.”

Another stated: “Sterling so far has been hit and miss but really promising with his off the ball work and his interchanging play and his blistering runs have been brilliant want to see that a lot more and happy with his assist for the second goal as that’s good for his confidence.”

One supporter, referring to Sterling’s accurate low cross for Nwaneri’s first goal, claimed: “That exact pass which sterling made no matter how easy it was, is what we were missing.”

Another added: “Sterling was an incredible pick up. He has the quality to make the difference in the final third. He adds real depth.”

Sterling sends message to Mikel Arteta

Arteta has backed himself to get Sterling back to his best, and will be well aware of the 82-cap England international’s quality.

However, Sterling still faces a tough task in establishing himself as a regular starter for the Gunners with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard ahead of him in the pecking order.

With this performance, though, he has shown that he is ready to make an impact. Sterling looked to have regained some confidence against Bolton, having looked short on in it in his time at Chelsea.

Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping that the winger has rediscovered the spark that once made him such a devastating force for Manchester City.