Jack Porter became the second-youngest-ever debutant of Arsenal when he started in goal in their 5-1 win over Bolton Wanderers aged 16 years and 72 days.
Declan Rice scored the opener in the 16th minute, before Ethan Nwaneri secured a brace in the 49th minute, having initially penned his name on the score sheet in the 37th minute.
Bolton Wanderers’ consolation goal came in the 53rd minute through Aaron Collins, before Raheem Sterling registered his first goal for Arsenal in the 64th minute.
Thirteen minutes before the expiration of the encounter, Kai Havertz put the icing on the cake for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Why Did Arsenal Start Jack Porter In Their EFL Cup 3rd Round Clash Against Bolton Wanderers?
The Gunners had to select Porter as their goalkeeper for the clash against The Trotters due to a knock to Spanish goalie David Raya.
Neto, who was signed from Bournemouth on loan as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who was sold to Southampton for €21.4 million couldn’t also play in the game as he was cup-tied, having played for the Cherries in their 1-0 Round 2 loss to West Ham United.
This forced Arsenal to rely on Porter to man the post and the teenager did put up an impressive display against Bolton Wanderers.
Jack Porter made 7 recoveries in the game alongside having 22 touches, but made no save throughout the affair, as it wasn’t a busy day at the office for him.
In terms of accurate long balls, Porter completed 2 out of 6, with the youngster ultimately getting valuable on-field experience.
Jack Porter
Jack Porter has trained with the first team of Arsenal on many occasions, and he was on the bench on September 19, 2024, in the UEFA Champions League for their 0-0 draw with Atalanta.
The 16-year-old also traveled to the Etihad Stadium with the first team on Sunday, September 22, 2024, as the Gunners played out a nerve-wracking 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Porter was also part of their traveling squad for their 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on September 15, 2024.
Who Is Jack Porter?
Jack Porter is a young English goalkeeper who plays for Arsenal, and he was born on July 15, 2008.
There is no information available regarding his parents, and it is uncertain if he has any siblings.
How Did Jack Porter Become The Second-youngest Ever Debutant For Arsenal?
At 16 years and 72 days, Porter became the second-youngest-ever debutant for the Gunners, overhauling the previous record holder, Cesc Fabregas, who was 16 years and 177 days old when he started a League Cup game against Rotherham United in October 2003.
Interestingly, Jack Porter becomes the second-youngest player to feature in a first-team match for Arsenal, behind only Ethan Nwaneri, who broke the Premier League record in September 2022, aged 15 years and 181 days when he was introduced late on against Brentford.
Jack Porter Is The Youngest Starter For Arsenal
Jack is now Arsenal’s youngest starter and goalkeeper – beating Malcolm Webster, who was 18 years and 308 days old when he made the first of six appearances for the North London side in 1969 while deputizing for Bob Wilson.
Jack Porter At Arsenal
Jack joined the club in 2020 and made 4 appearances for Jack Wilshere’s academy side in the U18 Premier League last term before penning scholarship terms in the summer of 2024.
Porter has also featured for the Under 21 side of Arsenal, making one appearance and keeping no clean sheet.
The English teenager has been capped by England at under-16 level, helping the Young Lions to win the Football Federations Cup in February 2024.
Jack Porter conceded only one goal over three matches in Spain, before moving up to the under-17s, where he made his debut at that level against Germany in September 2024.
