Carabao Cup draw – LIVE!
The draw for the Carabao Cup fourth round takes place tonight, as the road to Wembley continues. Liverpool are the holders, after beating Chelsea in last season’s final, and they are both among the Premier League sides still in the hat, having beaten West Ham and Barrow respectively.
There is still one fixture to be played in the round, after AFC Wimbledon’s clash with Newcastle was postponed due to flooding at Plough Lane, and that match will now be played at St James’ Park next week instead. There has been little in the way of shocks so far, with Arsenal easing past Bolton, Man City seeing off Watford and Manchester United hammering Barnsley.
Tottenham remain in the hunt too, with Ange Postecoglou vowing to bring silverware to the club this season. His side were fortunate to avoid an early exit, though, having needed two late, late goals to edge past Coventry. Follow live coverage below of the draw for the fourth round of the 2024/25 Carabao Cup!
Arsenal vs Bolton latest news
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GOAL! Sterling nets first Arsenal goal
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GOAL! Collins pulls one back for Bolton
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GOAL! Second for Nwaneri
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GOAL! Nwaneri bundles in from close range
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GOAL! Rice gives Arsenal early lead
FT: Arsenal 5-1 Bolton
21:39 , Matt Verri
Job done!
Arsenal through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup!
Ethan Nwaneri with a brace, as Declan Rice, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz all chipped in.
Arsenal 5-1 Bolton
21:35 , Matt Verri
90 mins: Four minutes added on.
Bolton need a goal a minute for penalties…
Arsenal 5-1 Bolton
21:32 , Matt Verri
87 mins: Santos flicks a header away, a ninth Arsenal corner of the night coming up.
Aimed at Gabriel, but Bolton deal with it pretty well and stop the Brazilian’s run.
Premier League sides might want to take some notes.
Arsenal 5-1 Bolton
21:28 , Matt Verri
84 mins: Rain is LASHING down in north London.
Don’t think any players on the pitch would be too disappointed to hear the full-time whistle now…
Arsenal 5-1 Bolton
21:25 , Matt Verri
81 mins: And another Arsenal debut.
Sterling off, successful night for him. Kabia has the final ten minutes to enjoy.
Arsenal 5-1 Bolton
21:24 , Matt Verri
80 mins: How many goals do Arsenal want?
They could just keep the ball for the next ten minutes if they wanted to, but looks like they will keep pushing.
Martinelli with a lovely bit of skill, cross to the back post. Havertz’s header is blocked.
GOAL! Arsenal 5-1 Bolton | Kai Havertz 77′
21:21 , Matt Verri
Arsenal have five!
None of that short nonsense this time. Martinelli’s ball is punched away but Arsenal stay on the attack.
Sterling drives into the box, his shot is saved and Havertz turns in the rebound.
Arsenal 4-1 Bolton
21:20 , Matt Verri
76 mins: Sterling should put it on a plate for Havertz, but he scuffs the volley and it’s turned behind for a corner.
Arsenal take it short… standards slipping now Saka is off the pitch.
Arsenal 4-1 Bolton
21:18 , Matt Verri
74 mins: It’s Martinelli on the left, with Sterling moving over to the opposite flank.
Kaccuni, for what it’s worth, is a serious unit. And his first name is Maldini. Has to be good.
Arsenal 4-1 Bolton
21:14 , Matt Verri
70 mins: Third and fourth Arsenal changes of the night.
Calafiori and Saka will get a bit of a rest, as Kacurri comes on for his debut and Martinelli is also introduced.
Arsenal 4-1 Bolton
21:12 , Matt Verri
67 mins: Ball low into the Arsenal six-yard box, Porter lets it go and luckily for him there’s no Bolton touch.
McAtee threw himself at it, but couldn’t make up the ground.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
21:10 , Matt Verri
A good full debut from Lewis-Skelly.
It will be Nwaneri that gets the headlines, naturally, but the left-back did well.
GOAL! Arsenal 4-1 Bolton | Raheem Sterling 64′
21:08 , Matt Verri
That really should be game over!
Saka blasts the ball across the face of goal, keeper spills it and Sterling can’t really miss. Open goal from about a yard.
Arsenal 3-1 Bolton
21:07 , Matt Verri
63 mins: Porter… very nearly caught out!
Goes short, straight to a Bolton player but fortunately for him it bounces safe.
Could have been disastrous.
Arsenal 3-1 Bolton
21:05 , Matt Verri
60 mins: Down goes Lewis-Skelly again. Think this will be the end of his night.
Couple of decent changes for Arsenal. Gabriel and Havertz coming on, as Rice also makes way.
Arsenal 3-1 Bolton
21:01 , Matt Verri
57 mins: Lewis-Skelly has gone down off the ball.
Think it’s fair to assume that actually is a problem, would be surprised if Arsenal felt the need to time-waste tonight…
He’s back on for now.
Arsenal 3-1 Bolton
21:00 , Matt Verri
55 mins: Calafiori charges forward, into the box. Just causes chaos.
Sterling can’t shoot, Nwaneri opts not to… Saka does. Side-netting.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Bolton | Aaron Collins 53′
20:57 , Matt Verri
Game maybe not over…
From the corner, Bolton break. Jorginho of all people is the one back on the halfway line.
Collins charges away from him, round Porter and taps in.
Arsenal 3-0 Bolton
20:56 , Matt Verri
51 mins: Arsenal could run up a score here.
Saka away down the right, first ball in is cleared away but he has another chance.
Shot from a tight angle, has to settle for a corner.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
20:54 , Matt Verri
Nwaneri on a hat-trick…if he gets that third the hype around this teenager will go through the roof.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-0 Bolton | Ethan Nwaneri 49′
20:53 , Matt Verri
Game over!
Bolton try and play out from the back… it doesn’t go well.
Rice pounces, Nwaneri clean through on goal. Could leave Saka a tap-in, but squeezes a finish under the goalkeeper instead.
Arsenal 2-0 Bolton
20:52 , Matt Verri
48 mins: Nichols charges forward on the overlap, his dinked cross to the back post is headed behind. Arsenal corner.
As ever it’s an in-swinger, Rice to take.
Mess in the box, bodies flying everywhere and the ball going nowhere. Bolton just about clear.
Back underway!
20:49 , Matt Verri
Here we go, second-half up and running.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
20:42 , Matt Verri
That’ll be a pleasing half for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal a bit slow to get going, but Declan Rice’s goal settled them down. Ethan Nwaneri on the scoresheet to cap off an excellent 45 minutes for him.
Raheem Sterling got better as half went on and had some bright moments.
Nwaneri opens account!
20:39 , Matt Verri
It’s a couple of years now since Ethan Nwaneri made his first-team debut, but he’s had to wait to get on the scoresheet.
Great work from Lewis-Skelly and Sterling in the build-up.
HT: Arsenal 2-0 Bolton
20:35 , Matt Verri
That’ll do it for the first 45 minutes.
Arsenal cruising towards the fourth round as it stands, goals form Declan Rice and Ethan Nwaneri.
Was a bit of a sluggish start in attack, but it’s started to click for the Gunners in the last 15 minutes or so.
Arsenal 2-0 Bolton
20:33 , Matt Verri
45+2 mins: Bit of concern as Sterling goes down after a heavy challenge – looks like he’ll be fine to continue for now.
Would imagine Arteta will be keen to give Sterling as many minutes as possible tonight, if no injury issues are picked up.
Arsenal 2-0 Bolton
20:31 , Matt Verri
45 mins: Ball played over the top by Saka, great strength from Jesus to work space for the shot.
Dragged just wide from the edge of the box, as Saka and Sterling both called for a pass.
Three minutes added on.
Arsenal 2-0 Bolton
20:29 , Matt Verri
43 mins: Sterling from distance, comfortable enough save.
Saka swings the resulting corner to the back post, Arsenal have to be patient but it eventually comes back in.
Saka swivels and gets the shot away, bobbles around the box and hacked clear.
All Arsenal now.
Arsenal 2-0 Bolton
20:26 , Matt Verri
40 mins: Sterling gets to the byline, Forino slides in and knocks it behind for a corner.
That is until the referee strolls over and points for a goal-kick. Not sure what he’s seen there…
Simon Collings at the Emirates
20:24
Arsenal fans have a new chant:
“Ethan Nwaneri, he’s one of our own,” sing a pocket of fans in the North Bank.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Bolton | Ethan Nwaneri 37′
20:23 , Matt Verri
But he plays a big part in that goal!
Lewis-Skelly with a great ball in behind, Sterling is away.
He plays it across the face of goal and Nwaneri is there to bundle it in from close range.
Arsenal 1-0 Bolton
20:22 , Matt Verri
36 mins: McAtee has the ball in the net, but the offside flag had long since gone up.
Came from Sterling losing the ball in a good position, basically missed the ball with a back-heel.
He hasn’t been great, to put it generously.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
20:20 , Matt Verri
Noticeable that Arsenal have ditched playing short from goal kicks tonight.
All of them going long with Porter given one less thing to think about.
Arsenal 1-0 Bolton
20:20 , Matt Verri
34 mins: Calafiori a bit too casual, caught on the ball and then tries to make up for it with a fairly cynical pull of the shirt. Yellow card for the Italian.
Collins with the ball in from out wide, charged behind. Bolton with a corner again.
Arsenal 1-0 Bolton
20:17 , Matt Verri
31 mins: Another Bolton corner, big roar from the away fans at the other end of the Emirates.
Not particularly convincing from Arsenal in defence, allowed to drop for McAtee and he lashes a strike over from close range. Real chance.
Arsenal 1-0 Bolton
20:15 , Matt Verri
29 mins: Jesus a bit irritated with a couple of decisions. Thought he should have had a corner earlier, now he has to go and retrieve his boot after a challenge.
Has looked good when he has got on the ball, though. Floating around everywhere.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
20:12 , Matt Verri
Four teenagers playing for Arsenal tonight, but Nwaneri just stands out.
Touch so sharp and physically looks years much older. Doesn’t look out of place.
Arsenal 1-0 Bolton
20:11 , Matt Verri
26 mins: Acrobatic effort from Jesus, just about turned behind for a corner.
Sterling did well in the build-up, stood up a cross to the back post.
Saka swings in the corner to the near post, poked away. Gunners missing their big threats from set-pieces.
Arsenal 1-0 Bolton
20:08 , Matt Verri
22 mins: Bolton will still feel in this match.
Arsenal aren’t exactly pinning them back, most of the possession is still between the defenders.
Visitors have had a couple of promising moments, too. Getting numbers forward.
Arsenal 1-0 Bolton
20:05 , Matt Verri
19 mins: Referee gives a couple of cheap free-kicks, Kiwior penalised out wide.
Collins threw himself over and got the decision he wanted. Up come the Bolton defenders.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
20:03 , Matt Verri
That’ll settle any nerves among Arsenal’s young players.
Rice with a lovely finish, but he was given far too much time to pick his spot.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Bolton | Declan Rice 16′
20:02 , Matt Verri
Arsenal up and running!
Nicholas with the ball in, Bolton don’t clear it and it falls for Rice on the edge of the area.
Composed finish, into the bottom corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Bolton
20:00 , Matt Verri
14 mins: Ball bounces off Collins, Kiwior sees it out… for a corner. Arsenal less than impressed with that decision.
Clipped to the near post, Jesus back to head it away.
Comes back in from Bolton, Sheehan down and appealing for a penalty. Referee not interested.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
19:58 , Matt Verri
Aside from the youngsters, it’s also a big night for Raheem Sterling.
The winger, who is making his first start for Arsenal, is buzzing about early on and trying to get into the game.
Not quite clicked yet, though.
Arsenal 0-0 Bolton
19:58 , Matt Verri
12 mins: Couple of times Nichols and Lewis-Skelly have gone long over the top, just overhit on both occasions.
Bolton taking their time over every throw-in and goal-kick – not sure Arsenal are in a position to complain about that too much.
Arsenal 0-0 Bolton
19:55 , Matt Verri
9 mins: Saka nods a cross down for Jesus, who does well to get a volley away. Deflected behind for a corner.
Are Bolton any better at defending these than most Premier League sides? No Gabriel for Arsenal…
And no goal. Bolton deal with it at the near post.
Arsenal 0-0 Bolton
19:53 , Matt Verri
7 mins: Arsenal haven’t really got going in attack.
Lots of possession at the back, but Saka has barely had a touch. Jesus dropping deep to try and get involved.
Arsenal 0-0 Bolton
19:50 , Matt Verri
5 mins: Chance for Bolton – they could be in front!
Get in behind, after Calafiori loses it. McAtee with the flick back to Arfield, as Porter comes off his line, but the midfield blasts over.
Should really have scored.
Arsenal 0-0 Bolton
19:48 , Matt Verri
2 mins: Arsenal have already had more of the ball than they did in the second-half against Man City.
Bolton yet to really have a kick, getting everyone behind the ball as you’d expect.
Arsenal going to have to be patient to break the wall of green shirts down.
KICK-OFF!
19:46 , Matt Verri
We’re up and running!
19:45 , Matt Verri
Big smile on Porter’s face as the Arsenal players have some final words of encouragement for him.
Jesus and Rice passing on a few instructions.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
19:40 , Matt Verri
Arsenal’s academy manager Per Mertesacker speaking to the club just now: “We have got really good youngsters and we want to show them to the public.
“I think Arsenal is all about giving young players an opportunity to play at the highest level.”
Here we go!
19:39
Players gathering in the tunnel, just over five minutes to go until kick-off.
Have to imagine Bolton will be keen to lump balls into the box to test Porter. Have to get that far up the pitch first, though…
Simon Collings at the Emirates
19:31 , Matt Verri
Rizzle Kicks – remember them? – currently pitchside here as we build up to kick off.
Throwing out some jokes to get the crowd going.
“Where does an Arsenal fan go for a sun tan?”
“The Ray Parlour.”
Bolton to make history?
19:26 , Matt Verri
It’s 12 years since these two sides last met – a goalless draw in February 2012. Hopefully get something a bit better this evening.
Bolton’s last win at Arsenal? Just the 30 years ago, in the FA Cup.
Huge night!
19:20 , Matt Verri
Those Arsenal youngsters in the starting lineup strolled out for an early look at the Emirates, a little earlier this evening…
Arsenal need to find cup form
19:11 , Matt Verri
Arsenal were beaten in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup by West Ham last season, while they lost in their opening FA Cup match against Liverpool.
The year before, it was a third-round exit in the Carabao Cup, losing to Brighton, and a defeat a round later in the FA Cup as the Gunners faced Manchester City.
Two wins in two seasons in the domestic cups – that needs to improve.
Sterling ready to repay Arteta faith
19:04 , Matt Verri
After Arsenal’s enthralling showdowns with Manchester City and Tottenham, a home game against Bolton feels like the definition of after the Lord Mayor’s show.
But for Raheem Sterling it is an important moment as he make his full debut for the Gunners.
The winger has had to be patient after joining Arsenal on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day last month.
Sterling has been restricted to just two appearances off the bench so far, coming on against Atalanta and Spurs for a combined total of 27 minutes.
The 29-year-old was an unused substitute in Sunday’s draw at his old club Manchester City, with Leandro Trossard’s red card shortly before half-time forcing the Gunners to play a 5-4-0 formation as they dug out a 2-2 draw.
It was hardly the game for Sterling, but tonight’s clash should be ideal.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
18:55 , Matt Verri
Arsenal fans have wanted Mikel Arteta to have more faith in the club’s youngsters… they’ve certainly got their wish tonight!
Bolton team news
18:47 , Matt Verri
It’s a rotated side from Bolton too…
Who is Josh Nichols?
18:43 , Matt Verri
The right-back had trials at Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham before joining Arsenal at the age of eight.
Growing up, Nichols was a striker – and that was the position he was first scouted by West Ham – but he quickly transitioned to being a winger.
A boyhood Arsenal fan, he signed his first professional contract with the club in the summer before going on their tour to the US.
Nichols performed solidly there and showed how he has now developed into an attacking full-back.
He made 31 appearances for Arsenal’s academy sides last season, including all six group games in the UEFA Youth League.
Debut for Porter!
18:37 , Matt Verri
What a huge night for Jack Porter.
David Raya not involved so 16-year-old Porter makes his debut, with Josh Nichols, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri all in the starting lineup too.
Plenty of experience in the front three, with Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling either side of Gabriel Jesus.
Gabriel Martinelli fit to make the bench, but no sign of Jurrien Timber or Ben White.
Arsenal team news
18:32 , Matt Verri
Arsenal XI: Porter; Nichols, Kiwior, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Sterling
Subs: Rojas, Saliba, Gabriel, Kacurri, Heaven, Partey, Havertz, Martinelli, Kabia
Arteta talks up Lewis-Skelly
18:23 , Matt Verri
Mikel Arteta believes Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is set to start at left-back tonight, showcased on his debut how he is a “competitor” after he was involved in a heated exchange with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Lewis-Skelly and Haaland became embroiled in an altercation towards the end of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Etihad Stadium as tempers threatened to boil over.
Haaland and Gabriel pushed each other shortly after Thomas Partey was fouled following John Stones’ late equaliser – and Lewis-Skelly rushed over to defend his team-mate.
The 17-year-old, who was making his Arsenal debut, was given short shrift by Haaland and the situation eventually fizzled out.
Arteta said: “You look at him, in every duel he goes, the way he reacts with his team-mates, you speak to him it’s constantly eye contact. He’s nudging, he’s asking questions, it’s a special character.
“He can play in three positions basically, as a left back, as a No6, as a No8, he’s very versatile. He adapts, from there he can occupy different spaces.
“He’s very adaptable, that’s the good thing about Myles – he’s very intelligent, very thorough. He has some unbelievable questions every time you ask him to do something, and he has the competitive edge which I think is demanded at this level.
“And he really wants it, so we are going to use him in different positions.”
Odegaard speaks out on injury
18:14 , Matt Verri
In his programme notes this evening, Martin Odegaard has been discussing his injury for the first time.
The Arsenal captain is expected to be out until at least after the next international break with an ankle issue.
He said: “I think it was unfortunate to get the injury in the way that I did, but also it could have been worse. It was not a nice twist, and when it happened I felt it could be serious.
“I’ve injured my ankle before and the pain felt a bit different this time. That’s what scared me, but from what happened it could have been worse, so in that sense I got away with it a bit.
“Like any player, the first thing I asked the medical team was how long I would be out for, but it’s a bit tricky to say at the moment. In the early stages, it’s crucial to get a proper rest and to make sure everything heals well.
“After that it’s about getting stronger and building it up again.”
Who is Jack Porter?
18:01 , Matt Verri
Arsenal could tonight hand a debut to 16-year-old Jack Porter.
Porter is in line to replace the potentially injured David Raya as both Arsenal’s No2 and No3 goalkeepers – Neto and Tommy Setford- are unavailable. Neto, who joined on loan from Bournemouth on transfer deadline day, is cup-tied and Setford is out with a hip injury.
Arsenal have several teenage goalkeepers they can call upon if needed, including Alexei Rojas, Brian Okonkwo and Lucas Nygaard.
Porter, however, is the favourite to start as he has been acting as Arsenal’s No3 goalkeeper in the absence of Setford. The 16-year-old travelled to Atalanta and Manchester City last week and helped Neto and Raya warm up ahead of the games.
Porter only signed scholarship terms with Arsenal in the summer and he cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17 in July next year.
He is highly thought of by Arsenal, though, and played for their Under-18s before becoming a scholar. He has represented England at youth level.
Arsenal’s academy staff describe Porter as a confident goalkeeper, on and off the pitch. He is liked due to his ability on the ball and the way he helps the defence play out from the back.
Stage is set!
17:52 , Matt Verri
Visitors have arrived in north London… it’s a perfect evening for now!
Arteta fires warning to Man City: ‘I have all the information’
17:42 , Matt Verri
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a cryptic warning to Manchester City as the ‘dark arts’ saga from Sunday’s showdown at Etihad Stadium rumbles on.
The Gunners were criticised by City players for how they played to secure a 2-2 draw.
Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Manuel Akanji all took aim at Arsenal for the tactics they used as Arteta’s side battled for a point despite only having 10 men in the second half.
Asked what he made of that criticism, Arteta said: “No comment. I have been there before. I was there for four years.”
Pressed to clarify what he meant by that, the Arsenal boss replied: “I have all the information. So I know. Believe me.”
Standard Sport prediction
17:35
Arteta may end up prioritising other tournaments but it’s difficult to see the Gunners losing at home to a team in League One, no matter what side they put out.
After a run of tough away games, this represents a chance for Arsenal to get back to hitting form in front of goal.
Arsenal to win, 3-0.
Arsenal team news
17:28 , Matt Verri
Arsenal could be without as many as 13 players for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Bolton.
The Gunners will definitely be missing eight including Leandro Trossard, who is suspended after being sent off against Manchester City on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Neto, who joined on loan from Bournemouth this summer, is cup-tied after playing for the Cherries in their defeat by West Ham in the second round.
Kieran Tierney (hamstring), Martin Odegaard (ankle), Mikel Merino (shoulder), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are all set to miss out through injury.
Teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford is also out with a hip issue and that is a blow to Arsenal with David Raya a doubt.
Raya was filmed limping and with a bandage on his knee while leaving the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and, with No2 Neto unavailable, Mikel Arteta could be forced to play a youngster in goal.
Setford would have been the most likely to start, but now one of 16-year-old Jack Porter or 18-year-old Alexei Rojas may be handed their debut instead.
Arsenal’s injury concerns could give a number of youngsters the chance to play against Bolton, including Ethan Nwaneri, Josh Nichols and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Porter; Nichols, Gabriel, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Sterling
How to watch Arsenal vs Bolton
17:22 , Matt Verri
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports +. Coverage starts at 7.15pm BST ahead of a 7.45pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
Live coverage: Follow all the action right here with us, featuring expert analysis from Simon Collings at the ground.
Good evening!
17:14 , Matt Verri
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Bolton!
It’s the third round of the Carabao Cup, as the Gunners begin what they hope is a road that leads them to Wembley.
League One side Bolton are the visitors to north London tonight – would be a huge shock if they came away with victory.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 7:45pm BST from the Emirates Stadium.