Mikel Arteta says what Raheem Sterling has already improved since joining Arsenal from Chelsea

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Raheem Sterling finally made his full Arsenal debut in the Gunners’ 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup – a nice relief from the pressure of recent away trips.

There was a buzz of excitement prior to kick off at the Emirates, as well their first glimpse of Sterling, Arsenal fans were also finally getting the chance to see some of their academy stars start.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly seemed nailed on to start, as they did, but full debuts for Jack Porter and Josh Nichols was a real bonus.

All delivered commendable performances against League One opposition, a clever time for Mikel Arteta to introduce a few of the Hale End gems.

That being said, Sterling was one of the experienced heads deployed by Arteta to ensure safe passage, and he did exactly that.

Raheem Sterling scores his first Arsenal goal vs Bolton

Speaking at his press conference after full-time, Arteta said Sterling was ‘very good’ on his full debut, grabbing his first goal for the club.

The duo worked together before at Manchester City meaning nothing in Sterling’s repertoire should be surprising the Arsenal manager right now, but Arteta did notice one thing that’s improving about the winger.

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Arteta explained: “Yeah, it’s very good (Sterling’s performance). I think he’s getting better and better. I think physically you can tell that he’s making steps. 

“The moment the game opened up a little bit, you know, what he can do, how he can deliver. He was involved in a few goals, so, very positive night for him.”

Of course, Arsenal’s deadline day decision to bring four-time Premier League winner Sterling to the club now seems a very good one.

Ethan Nwaneri ready to start Premier League games for Arsenal

Although Sterling came away from the game in better standing, it was predominantly a night about Nwaneri’s talent, a 17-year-old who is ready to play regularly.

Nwaneri scored his first and second Arsenal goals against Bolton, a youngster who has never looked out of place in the senior side.

There’s a certain aura about the midfielder when he’s on the ball, a positive arrogance if you will – he knows his own ability.

And with Martin Odegaard still missing at Arsenal for the foreseeable, perhaps it is now time to play Nwaneri as the number 10 or eight alongside Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.

Arsenal might lack some creativity if the likes of Leicester City and Southampton arrive to the Emirates playing in a low-block in the coming weeks – something Nwaneri can certainly help with.