2 positives & negatives from Arsenal's 5-1 win over Bolton in the Carabao Cup

Positive #2: Raheem Sterling sharpness

Getting Sterling up to speed is a sneaky 'X-factor' for Arsenal in this season's Premier League title race. He knows how to win the big prize and understands Arteta's methods from their time together for Manchester City.

Sterling is also somebody who can provide the extra goals and assists the Gunners will need to finally add to the FA Cup Arteta lifted in 2020. So any positive night for the well-travelled winger is a massive boost for Arsenal, and the former Liverpool, Chelsea and City man delivered in style against Bolton.

Quick, lively and always willing to be involved, Sterling ran his full-back, teased crosses into the box and also took up useful positions through the middle. His maiden Arsenal goal on 64 minutes was typically scrappy, but that's not a surprise from a player who's always prized end product over neatness.

There's still a ways to go, and Sterling did have some now-customary frustrating moments in possession, but this was a big first step toward making this vital loanee a fixture in the team.

With Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli struggling for goals, not to mention Bukayo Saka needing a rest more often, Sterling's going to have a pivotal part to play in this campaign.

Negative #2: Myles Lewis-Skelly's withdrawal

Lewis-Skelly having to make way for Gabriel Magalhaes just after the hour mark put a dampener on an otherwise clean night's work. It's always good to see Arsenal's set-piece king take to the pitch, but Lewis-Skelly's performance had been the best among the fledglings given minutes in this youth-friendly tournament.

The 17-year-old displayed technical quality and tactical aptitude in a demanding role. Lewis-Skelly started at left-back, but it was his job to invert and assist the midfield in build-up play.

He needed to time his central wanderings so as not to leave Arsenal exposed defensively, while also choosing his spaces to play between the lines intelligently. Lewis-Skelly rarely got either decision wrong, and when he got them right, the teenager was responsible for some of the home side's best football on the night.

Look at how Lewis-Skelly and Sterling linked up to create Nwaneri's inaugural senior goal.

Having to be subbed was the only blot on Lewis-Skelly's copybook. His fitness will determine if Arsenal indeed possess a bounty of riches on the left side of defence.

With Riccardo Calafiori making a strong start, Jurrien Timber able to slide over, and Lewis-Skelly looking like one to watch, it's easy to wonder what the future holds for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

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