Arsenal travelled to Deepdale Stadium to take on Preston North End in an EFL Cup clash on Wednesday evening. Mikel Arteta aimed for glory in this tournament, eager for his Arsenal side to secure silverware this season.
Arteta seized the opportunity to rotate his starting XI, with Tommy Setford making history as the 18-year-old goalkeeper debuted in goal.
Hale End academy prodigy Ethan Nwaneri was given a chance to shine, while veteran midfielder Jorginho was eager to impress with a rare start.
The Gunners struck first when Gabriel Jesus ended his long goal drought, scoring to put Arsenal ahead. Nwaneri then scored from range, showcasing his talent and confirming the fans’ excitement for his future.
Substitute Kai Havertz sealed the deal with a header after the break, giving Arsenal a comfortable 3-0 win and securing their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
The match saw several notable performances. Tommy Setford earned a solid rating of 7 for his composed debut, while Jurrien Timber, playing right-back, also received a 7 for his contributions in the first half.
William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior both earned 7s as well, with Kiwior registering two assists despite some misplaced passes.
The standout player of the match was undoubtedly Ethan Nwaneri, who earned a remarkable 9 for his explosive performance, particularly his stunning goal.
Raheem Sterling struggled to make an impact, earning a 7 despite flashes of quality, while Gabriel Martinelli managed a 6 for his efforts to create opportunities.
Substitutes Kai Havertz, Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ayden Heaven contributed as well, with Havertz earning a 7 for his decisive goal.
Despite making several changes to freshen up the squad, Arsenal dominated the match and Arteta learned more about the depth of his team. The victory marks a step forward in Arsenal’s pursuit of EFL Cup glory this season.
Arsenal fans will be optimistic as they look ahead, especially with promising performances from their young talents like Nwaneri and the returning quality from established players.
The Gunners are poised for more success as they continue their campaign in the tournament.
