In the 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton, Jack Porter broke Cesc Fabregas’ record by being the youngest youngster to start for Arsenal’s first team.
At 16 years and 82 days, Porter broke the record as the youngest player to ever play in an official match for the “Gunners” early on September 26 (Hanoi time).Cesc Fabregas, who made his Arsenal debut at the age of 16 years and 72 days, previously held that record. Another young player carries on the Arsenal tradition of utilising youthful potential, twenty-one years after Cesc made Arsenal history in 2003.
Porter, who plays for the England U16 squad, was born in 2008. The teenage goalie from the misty nation was given the number 92 shirt at Arsenal earlier this season. Porter was given the chance to start against Bolton because David Raya and Neto, two of Arsenal’s best goalkeepers this year, were both injured.
Raya had a muscular injury following the Premier League’s round five game with Man City, and Neto represented Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup’s second round at the end of August. Neto is therefore unable to represent Arsenal in the Carabao Cup this year.
Bolton managed a consolation goal through Aaron Collins early in the second half, but Porter had an easy day as Arsenal dominated their hapless League One opponents.