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Arsenal’s Young Goalkeeper Makes Surprise EFL Cup Debut

In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal’s young goalkeeper, Porter, was given a starting position in their recent EFL Cup match against Bolton Wanderers. This unexpected opportunity arose as first-choice keeper David Raya is sidelined due to a thigh injury, while summer acquisition Neto was unavailable due to being cup-tied, having already featured in the competition for Bournemouth.

Porter, who is just 16 years old, has garnered significant praise from the club and signed a scholarship agreement with Arsenal over the summer. Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that Porter frequently trains with the first team, underscoring the club’s confidence in the young talent.

The goalkeeper, who also plays for the England Under-17 team, had recently traveled with the squad to face Manchester City and was among the substitutes during Arsenal’s match against Atalanta.

Thus far, Porter has participated in six matches for the Arsenal Under-18 squad, where he has faced 12 goals and managed to keep one clean sheet, showcasing his developing skills within the academy system.

Following the announcement of his start in the EFL Cup, Arteta shared insights about the young player’s reaction. “We informed him yesterday and he was extremely excited. He reached out to his family, who were understandably taken aback by the news,” Arteta remarked. “This represents a significant milestone and occasion for him, and I sensed some nerves from them.”

Arteta further praised the young goalkeeper, stating, “He handled the situation remarkably well, displaying composure in training. His teammates were instrumental in supporting him. It’s a tremendous experience for him, and what a remarkable way to make his debut.”

Source
www.bbc.com