Sterling Scores First Arsenal Goal in 5-1 Victory Over Bolton as Liverpool Crush West Ham in League Cup

Raheem Sterling marked his first Arsenal goal in style as the Gunners thrashed Bolton 5-1 in the League Cup on Wednesday. Sterling, making his Arsenal debut after a transfer deadline day move from Chelsea, found the net in the second half to help secure the Gunners' place in the last 16.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made seven changes from the weekend's dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester City, handing a debut to 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter. Porter became Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter at 16 years and 72 days, breaking Cesc Fabregas’s record from 2003. Arsenal also saw 17-year-old forward Ethan Nwaneri shine with two goals, building on a dominant performance.

Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 16th minute, followed by Nwaneri’s first goal in the 37th. Bolton managed a consolation goal when Aaron Collins beat Porter in the 53rd minute, but further goals from Sterling and Kai Havertz sealed a comprehensive Arsenal win.

At Anfield, Liverpool cruised past West Ham with a 5-1 win, piling more pressure on Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui, who has faced growing scrutiny after a poor start to the season. Despite taking an early lead through a comical own goal by Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, West Ham fell apart as Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo netted twice each. Mohamed Salah added to the misery for the Hammers, who also had Edson Alvarez sent off late in the game.

Lopetegui’s troubles continue, with his side's struggles compounded by a third consecutive home defeat in the league, leaving West Ham's season in turmoil.