Sky presenter amazed by what he noticed about Jack Porter in warm-ups before Arsenal debut

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Jack Porter created history during Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Bolton in the League Cup by becoming their youngest-ever player to start a competitive game.

It’s far more normal for managers up and down the land to hand debuts or first starts to teenagers either in defence, midfield or upfront.

You don’t see many goalkeepers starting at such a young age, but Porter is now the exception because he is also the youngest keeper to play in the League Cup (16 years and 72 days).

Mikel Arteta had several goalkeeping situations to deal with from an injury to David Raya and Arsenal summer arrival Neto being cup-tied, so the dice eventually landed on Porter‘s doorstep.

The rising Arsenal star did himself proud and helped his team to a comprehensive win against a team in England’s third tier.

Jamie Redknapp, who also made his competitive debut at 16 for Bournemouth, shared that when you are handed that opportunity, then you play with ‘no fear’.

But he acknowledged that it’s very different for a goalkeeper because they aren’t thrown into the deep end like that.

Whilst Ethan Nwaneri was also making his first start for Arsenal – he proceeded to score a brace – all eyes were on Porter before kick-off.

Sky presenter Mark Chapman was watching the young kid doing his warm-up and going through the usual drills goalkeepers are put through.

Chapman couldn’t believe how relaxed Porter looked and how he ‘looks like he has been there already’, as he told Sky Sports Football (25/09/24 at 7:10 pm).

Jack Porter becomes Arsenal’s youngest-ever player to start a competitive game

“I was 16 when I made my debut, you enjoy it and play with no fear,” shared Redknapp. “But I was playing in midfield. It’s obviously different for a goalkeeper because the pressure on a goalkeeper, whether he is 16 or 26, it’s different because you know one mistake can cost you. But what an opportunity for him.”

Chapman added: “They have to be sure about him to a certain extent. I know you said they have goalkeeping issues with the odd knock or cup-ties, or whatever. But you can’t throw a 16-year-old to the Wolves, can you?! There is a good sprinkle of experience in the Arsenal team, so Declan Rice and Jorginho.

“I know he is warming up, but he just looks like he has been there already, doesn’t he?!”

An outstanding debut from Jack Porter against Bolton

The young kid can hold his head up high and be proud of making his debut for such a big club and on such a huge stage.

Arsenal have been drawn up against Championship side Preston North End for the next round and you feel fans might see Porter again.

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You presume Arteta will have more of his senior keepers available to him then, it’s just a case of if he is willing to throw the player into the deep end again.

Either way, this is a moment that will live long in his memory and it will be the highlight of his career, regardless of what he does.