3 standout players from Arsenal's emphatic Carabao Cup win over Bolton

Following the life-sucking stress of Sunday, it was ever so nice to enjoy a serene night of Arsenal football in the Carabao Cup third round.

A procession was expected in north London as League One strugglers Bolton came to town, and those in attendance at a sodden Emirates were able to relax for the entirety of the cup tie as the club's academy stars impressed in a 5-1 victory.

There were five full debutants on Wednesday with two more academy stars entering the fray in the second half to join in on the fun. However, it wasn't just the young guns who impressed against third-tier opposition, with some of Mikel Arteta's experienced pros ensuring the hosts got over the line at a canter.

Here were the three standout performers from Arsenal's third-round win in the Carabao Cup.

1. Ethan Nwaneri

Buzz has surrounded this kid ever since he became a Premier League record-breaker two years ago at Brentford. The 17-year-old has had to be patient for his first Arsenal start, but Nwaneri took full advantage of the opportunity on Wednesday.

He moves with such mesmeric fluidity and just looks so at ease at this level. The midfielder primarily operated from the right half-space, but he also drifted into wide areas and darted across the pitch before switching the play as Martin Odegaard so often does. There were glimpses of the Norwegian in Nwaneri's performance, there's no doubt about that.

Not everything came off for the gifted playmaker, but there were counter-pressing moments after possession was ceased that undoubtedly would've pleased the boss, who surely must consider Nwaneri for Premier League starts in Odegaard's absence. Upcoming bouts against Leicester and Southampton are hardly the most imposing of league fixtures.

His two goals were crafted by teammates, but Nwaneri's brace will hopefully be the first couple in a monster goal collection for the Gunners. MOTM.

2. Raheem Sterling

Sterling was on the periphery in the opening exchanges, but his probing runs in behind eventually paid dividends as he teed up Arsenal's second and Nwaneri's first.

The experienced winger, on his first start for the club, was swift in one-on-one situations and perhaps the standout perfomer of the second-half before his 81st-minute withdrawal.

He particularly looked dangerous off the right after the hour, showing his ability to beat his man on either side. Sterling poked home his first goal for the club from close range before his rebounded left-footed effort led to Kai Havertz getting on the scoresheet.

We shouldn't get ahead of ourselves given the level of opposition, but it certainly looks like Sterling has a role to play for Arteta's side moving forward.

3. Myles Lewis-Skelly

Look, we could've easily included Declan Rice, who scored and gifted Nwaneri his second with a high regain, but we know how good the Englishman is - even if he hasn't been at his best to start the new season.

Instead of waxing lyrical over the £105m midfielder against League One opposition, let's give teenager Lewis-Skelly his flowers.

A midfielder by trade, Arteta seemingly likes Lewis-Skelly as a full-back, and this performance was an indicator as to why. The Hale End star's scything through ball was latched onto by Sterling in the build-up to the second goal, and, in general, the youngster displayed distinct assuredness with the ball throughout.

He's combative out of possession, and a successful aerial duel in the first half showed off his hops. Lewis-Skelly is an impressive athlete who looks cultured with the ball.

It was a shame his evening was cut short by injury on the hour.

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