Arsenal secured their place in the fourth round of the League Cup with a dominant 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers, a League One side. Mikel Arteta, the Gunners’ manager, took the opportunity to give four players their debuts, including Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, both starting their first game for Arsenal. The night also saw 16-year-old Jack Porter making his debut in goal for the team.
Despite fielding such a youthful lineup, Arsenal had little trouble dispatching Bolton at the Emirates Stadium. Goals came from several key players, including Declan Rice, Nwaneri, and Kai Havertz, all contributing to the comfortable win. Raheem Sterling, another significant name, also netted his first goal for Arteta’s squad. Although Arsenal’s younger talents were the primary focus of the night, one moment of brilliance stood out to Sky Sports pundit Michael Bridges.
Bridges, a former Sunderland striker, was particularly impressed by Gabriel Jesus’ involvement in Havertz’s goal. During the broadcast, Bridges highlighted Jesus’ exceptional effort on the right-hand side, where the Brazilian forward managed to get past two Bolton defenders despite losing his boot during the play. Though Jesus didn’t find the back of the net, his contribution to the build-up play left a lasting impression. Signed for £45 million in 2022, Jesus hasn’t had the brightest start to the current season, with Kai Havertz often overshadowing him in Arteta’s attacking lineup. Nonetheless, his performance against Bolton, especially the moment of brilliance described by Bridges, was a standout in an otherwise routine win.
Bridges was full of praise, saying during commentary: “That’s Brazilian brilliance from Jesus on that right-hand side, he’s got no right to win it. He loses his football boot but still manages to play the pass. Then it’s the man who’s been magnificent tonight, Sterling. Havertz is the quickest to react because he’s the freshest. But that moment from Jesus, the whole of the Emirates will be delighted to see that. That’s what football’s all about.”
Despite not scoring, Jesus was effective in leading Arsenal’s attack. However, given the opposition’s lower-league status, he might feel he could have done more to make a stronger case for his place in Arteta’s starting XI. With a slow start to the season and no goals yet to his name, the Brazilian striker may have missed a valuable opportunity to show he can be Arsenal’s primary striker. As Arsenal turn their attention back to the Premier League, with a match against Leicester City on the horizon, it’s likely that Jesus will return to the bench. He will be well aware that the game against Bolton was a chance to make a statement.