“Absolutely Superb” – English Press Lavish Praise on Arsenal Prospect After Impressive Performance
Jack Porter made history during Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Bolton on Wednesday night. At just 16 years and 72 days old, the Hale End Academy prospect became the youngest player to ever start a competitive match for Arsenal. Additionally, he became the youngest goalkeeper to ever feature in the Carabao Cup.
A shortage of goalkeepers provided the teenager with an unexpected first-team opportunity. Mikel Arteta chose not to risk David Raya, the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, who was seen limping after the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Backup goalkeeper Neto was ineligible to play, as he had already appeared for Bournemouth earlier in the competition. Meanwhile, Karl Hein, last season’s third-choice goalkeeper, is currently on loan at Real Valladolid, and summer signing Tommy Setford, who joined from Ajax for £840,000, is out due to injury.
With the task of filling in for Raya, the reigning Premier League Golden Glove winner, expectations for Porter were tempered. Many predicted a steady, albeit unspectacular, midweek performance from the young goalkeeper.
However, Porter’s impressive display has created a media buzz, with praise pouring in from all directions, and he may have positioned himself as a potential primary understudy to Raya.
Jack Porter Performance for Arsenal vs Bolton
The conversation leading up to the midweek match centered on how Bolton Wanderers might take advantage of an inexperienced goalkeeper, becoming a focal point of manager Ian Evatt’s pre-game discussions.
Despite this, the opposing coach was quick to point out that Porter “must be good to be playing for Arsenal,” and the young goalkeeper proved his worth on the field.
While some may argue that the 16-year-old had little to handle during the game, given the experienced defense and midfield providing a protective shield, Porter still exhibited moments of maturity. His confidence was evident when he had the ball, and he effectively controlled his area when off it.
| Jack Porter’s statistics against Bolton | |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals conceded | 1 |
| Accurate passes | 10/15 (67%) |
| Accurate long balls | 2/6 (33%) |
| Punches | 1 |
| High claims | 1 |
| Recoveries | 7 |
How the Press Reacted to Jack Porter Display Against Bolton
GOAL, The Standard, and Arseblog all rated Porter’s performance against Bolton at 6/10 or higher — a solid score that many goalkeepers consider a reliable standard at the elite level.
Simon Collings of The Standard noted he was “steady for the most part and could do little about the Bolton goal.” While Charles Watts for stronger with his praise in GOAL, writing:
“Huge night for the youngest-ever player to start a game for Arsenal. The 16-year-old had little to do, but looked confident enough on such a big occasion.”
Meanwhile, the latter of the trio wrote: “I think the goal sort of highlighted his inexperience, but that’s not a criticism. Did really well for a lad who just turned 16 in July (think about that!).”
Other assessments Porter has received following his historic debut include one from Gooner Morning Star writer Layth Yousif, who stated: “Well done Jack Porter. Absolutely superb son. Outstanding.”
Meanwhile, fan reaction has been just as positive. One X user added, “Jack Porter might be 16 years old but boy he’s not scared of coming out to get crosses , he will get better with his feet, another from hale end , gutted he conceded but it’s a day he will never forget.”
In other Arsenal news, 8/10 Arsenal Star with 90% Passing Was a “Different Bēãst” v Bolton
