Jack Porter now breaks 55-year Arsenal record in Carabao Cup clash vs Bolton
Arsenal’s bizarre goalkeeping situation has led to a shock development for their Carabao Cup third round tie against Bolton.
David Raya picked up a knock against Manchester City, whilst deadline-day arrival Neto is cup-tied, having already featured in the competition with Bournemouth.
Arsenal tried and failed to sign a third-choice goalkeeper as they bid for Wolves backup Daniel Bentley, but they did sign young prospect Tommy Setford from Ajax.
However, Setford picked up an injury, and Mikel Arteta turned to 16-year-old Jack Porter to start against Bolton.
Arsenal have used the Carabao Cup to give debuts to countless youngsters over the years including Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere, but Porter starting the game has broken new ground in the Arsenal record books.
Jack Porter becomes Arsenal’s youngest-ever goalkeeper debutant
Porter has now broken an all-time record, as he has become Arsenal’s youngest-ever goalkeeper in a competitive match, at just 16 years and 72 days old.
He is the youngest goalkeeper to make his Arsenal debut in 55 years, since Malcolm Webster started for Arsenal in 1969 at 18 years and 308 days old.
Porter has made just seven appearances in the Arsenal under-18 and under-21 sides, but he is a highly-rated talent within the club, and it is a huge show of faith that Arteta has selected him to start.
Jack Porter has been selected ahead of older Arsenal goalkeepers
Porter has been selected ahead of 18-year-old goalkeeper Alexei Rojas, who has a lot more experience within the academy, which shows just how highly rated he is.
The goalkeeper now has the opportunity to shine in the first-team in front of the Arsenal fans, and if he can keep a clean sheet, he will further write himself into the history books before his career even really begins.
With Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior in the back line, and Jorginho in midfield, Porter is playing in a team with several experienced players supporting him, and he will hope to shut League One side Bolton out at the Emirates.
Porter will hope that this debut is not the only time he will play for Arsenal, but even if it is, it will become a landmark moment in his career, and for the Hale End Academy.
