Mikel Arteta’s side had an easy schedule in qualifying for the Quarter finals of the EFL Cup. This is after the club was drawn against Preston North End. The Manager named a mixed squad that he was sure was going to give him the results that he needed.
Tommy Setford was given the opportunity to make his debut for Arsenal at the goal post. The defence saw the return of William Saliba who had to be given some game time in order to gain the match fitness that is needed after sitting on the sidelines against Liverpool last weekend because of a red card.
He was paired with Jakub Kiwior who played left centre back role. He stepped in for the injured Gabriel. This is Jakub Kiwior’s natural position and he indeed performed very well and proved that, he can deputize Gabriel because primarily that is his role.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber also returned to the team and this is a good sign for Arsenal that the injured players are soon getting back to fitness after recovering. The midfield had Mikel Merino, Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri who really impressed.
The forward line had Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling. Jakub Kiwior gave Gabriel Jesus a good pass that led to Arsenal’s opening goal. Gabriel Jesus then set up a good pass for Ethan Nwaneri and the young lad scored a very spectacular goal.
The first half ended 2-0 in favor of Arsenal. The second half also started on a very high note and Mike Arteta decided to make some changes in his squad. He substituted Mikel Merino and replaced him with Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber with Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel Martinelli with Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri with Ayden Heaven.
Jakub Kiwior was once again at the centre of Arsenal’s goals and he gave Kai Havertz a good pass and the German international player headed in the third goal.
The game ended 3-0 in favor of Arsenal. The Gunners will now face Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter finals.