Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed Jack Porter after the 16-year-old was thrown in at the deep end against Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.

The Academy prospect got the nod between the sticks, with David Raya out injured and Neto cup-tied after featuring for Bournemouth in a previous round. Third-choice Tommy Setford was also unavailable due to injury.

Porter became the youngest shot stopper to ever feature in the competition and had a few decent moments, although he was beaten by Aaron Collins in the second half.

“We told him yesterday and he was over the moon straight away,” Arteta told a press conference.

“I think he spoke to his family. And yeah, they weren't prepared for that. It's a big step, a big occasion for them and I think they were nervous about it.

“But I think he reacted really well. He was really composed yesterday in training, today as well.

“His team-mates really helped him as well on that. What an experience and what a way to break a record.

Arteta named a mixture of youth and experience in his starting line-up, with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Jorginho all involved from the off.

Ethan Nwaneri bagged a brace either side of half time – the 17-year-old’s first goals for the North London club.

“A really positive night, the result and the performance,” the head coach reflected. “We gave minutes to a lot of senior players and they really showed a lot of quality.

“On top of that, we gave a lot of opportunity to quite a lot of Academy players and they responded really well. It is so fulfilling to see their faces, their reaction, how much it means to them.

“(The senior players) were already giving them advice in training yesterday, I think the boys feel really comfortable with them.

“Because it is a magnificent group of players, they can be themselves and if they have any fears, they can ask questions and they will be happy to help.

“It is great they show that leadership as well, and that sense of caring, which is important and we all need it at some stage in our careers.”