Bolton used to play in the Premier League for many years, but that is no longer the case; the club has even dropped to League One (the third tier of English football). With home field advantage, the opponent is not strong, therefore it is totally natural that coach Arteta chooses a mixed roster, with half of the squad coming from the first team and the other half consisting of young players. 
Despite not fielding their strongest team, Arsenal thoroughly dominated their opponents after the first whistle, forcing Bolton to retreat their whole defence with difficulty. The disparity in class was evident, and Arsenal’s goals came as an unavoidable result of an absolutely dominant game.

Young player Nwaneri celebrates after scoring (Photo: Getty).

Arsenal led comfortably at the break with to goals from Rice in the 16th minute and Nwaneri in the 37th minute. Nwaneri pushed the lead to 3-0 in the 48th minute, putting the home team on the verge of victory. Bolton had only two shots in the first half, both of which were off target. They did not attack much in the second half, but the visitors scored a goal in the 53rd minute through Collins, bringing the score to 1-3.

 
The game swiftly reverted to normal after the host team conceded a goal, leaving Bolton in a poor position while Arsenal led. The home team did not need to hold back; the players all wanted to express themselves, therefore Bolton continued to allow goals. The “Gunners” won convincingly 5-1 with to goals from Sterling in the 64th minute and Havertz in the 77th minute.

Line-up

Arsenal (4-3-3): Porter; Nichols, Kiwior, Calafiori (Kacurri 70), Lewis-Skelly (Gabriel 62); Nwaneri, Jorginho, Rice (Havertz 62); Saka (Martinelli 71), Jesus, Sterling (Kabia 81).

Bolton (3- -2): Southwood; Forino (Johnston 71), Santos, Toal; Dacres-Cogley, Arfield (Thomason 69), Sheehan, Dempsey (Matete 68), Williams; McAtee (Adeboyejo 79), Collins.

Liverpool reverse West Ham

Liverpool had to have a strong side to face Premier League team West Ham in the League Cup’s third round. Despite having home advantage, Liverpool had a difficult start, dominating the ball more than their opponents, but Liverpool players struggled to get close to Fabianski’s goal as West Ham’s defence was sturdy.

West Ham took an unexpected lead when Quansah scored an own goal in the 21st minute, but Liverpool soon replied, equalising 1-1 in the 25th minute thanks to Jota. Jota’s goal was also a rare bright moment for Liverpool in the opening half.

Jota scored twice in Liverpool’s win (Photo: Getty).

However, things changed dramatically in the second half, with Liverpool utterly transformed after the interval. Despite having less possession, the home team attacked twice as much as in the first half, and their shot on target percentage climbed dramatically (1/6 in the first half, 10/12 in the second half).

Liverpool were in top form, scoring four goals in the second half, due in part to West Ham being reduced to ten men after Alvarez was sent off in the 76th minute. Liverpool dominated the first half, winning 5-1 thanks to goals from Jota in the 48th minute, Salah in the 74th minute, and Gakpo in the 90th and 90+3rd minutes.