Several periphery players demonstrated their abilities as the Gunners easily advanced to the round of eight with a polished performance against Championship opponents.

Ethan Nwaneri had another strong showing in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Preston North End, giving Arsenal a comfortable Carabao Cup night.
With another set-piece goal, the Gunners took the lead when Jakub Kiwior nodded Gabriel Martinelli’s free-kick into the path of Gabriel Jesus, who half-volleyed the ball into the net from six yards out. After laying the ball off to Nwaneri, who curled a stunning 20-yard shot past a flat-footed Freddie Woodman into the top-left corner, Jesus scored his first goal since January and added an assist to his record.

Even though Preston had a few chances in the second half, the home team rarely threatened Arsenal, and halftime replacement Kai Havertz sealed the victory with a strong header from Kiwior’s cross. The German also had a late attempt that was just missed for offside.AFP

Goalkeeper & Defence

Tommy Setford (6/10):

The 18-year-old was making his debut after his summer move from Ajax and didn’t have much to do despite a nervy first-half moment, with Preston only having two shots on target.

Jurrien Timber (6/10):

Only played the first half but will feel disappointed not to have contributed more after some promising moments in attack only let down by his final ball.

William Saliba (7/10):

Slotted straight back into the defence after his weekend suspension and immediately showed his class, completing 103 of his 107 passes and ensuring the door remained closed on Preston throughout, albeit with little trouble.

Jakub Kiwior (8/10):

Was all over the pitch and linked up well down the left side with some nice passes and touches, as the Poland international ended the game with two assists.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (7/10):

A rare run out for the Ukraine international and he will have done his future selection chances no harm with a composed display.

Midfield

Jorginho (7/10):

His veteran presence in midfield was very much appreciated for Arsenal as he pulled the strings and dictated the play, particularly early on as his side dominated the ball.

Ethan Nwaneri (9/10):

A standout performer even without his goal, the teenager continued his meteoric rise and showed Arteta why there should be no fears about throwing him into the deep end with more Premier League minutes. Clearly destined for greatness with maturity beyond his years.

Mikel Merino (7/10):

An important 45 minutes to continue building up his fitness and chemistry after his goal against Liverpool. The Spaniard demonstrated some nice touches and passes.

Attack

Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

Faded as the game went on but troubled the Preston defence in the first half, while also providing a lovely free-kick for Jesus’ opener.

Gabriel Jesus (7/10):

The Brazilian’s first-half opener and assist left much to be desired with his overall play and anticipation, and he still lacked some sharpness, but breaking his nine-month goalless streak was the key thing.

Raheem Sterling (6/10):

The Chelsea winger, who is currently on loan, looked far below his best, frequently giving the ball away with his dribbling and missing numerous opportunities despite flashes of brilliance. Arsenal had hoped that Sterling would start his time at the club with a strong performance against lower-league opponents.

Subs & Manager

Kai Havertz (7/10):

A half-time sub for Merino, the German produced a bullet header to put daylight between the two sides, but he was otherwise quiet, although he wasn’t needed to be anything more.

Thomas Partey (6/10):

Another half-time introduction in defence but didn’t have much to do despite occasionally inverting into midfield.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

Would have been disappointed not to start, but the teenager was impressive enough in his cameo and will be satisfied with his run out.

Bukayo Saka (7/10):

Perhaps a strange introduction in the second half, Saka never needed to exert himself but still found ways to create chances and get involved in a short space of time.

Ayden Heaven (N/A):

A new name to Arsenal’s youthful squad, the teenager replaced Nwaneri inside the last 10 minutes and slotted into his side’s composed end to the game.

Mikel Arteta (7/10):

The Spaniard will be satisfied with the performances of his rotated side, particularly without any new injury concerns, although subbing on a recently-injured Saka when Arsenal were 3-0 up will have raised some eyebrows given his fitness worries.