Arsenal earned a commanding 3-0 win over Preston this evening, advancing to the next stage of the Carabao Cup.
The Gunners started the game with a dominant display, as expected, given the disparity in quality between the two sides. However, they struggled to create clear-cut chances early on, despite a strong showing from Ethan Nwaneri.
Preston paid the price for frequently conceding possession, as Jakub Kiwior directed a well-taken Gabriel Martinelli free kick toward Gabriel Jesus, who opened the scoring.
When the hosts failed to respond, Nwaneri seized the opportunity to score his third goal in two Carabao Cup appearances, doubling Arsenal’s lead.
Arsenal continued to control the game, appearing ready to overrun their hosts, who seemed vulnerable throughout. Despite pressing for a third goal, the Gunners couldn’t add to their lead before halftime. However, they returned even stronger after the break with the additions of Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz.
The Gunners maintained their momentum, though Preston managed a few half-chances that Arsenal’s defence quickly neutralised. Arsenal’s passing game proved too much for Preston, and a precise cross from Kiwior found Havertz, who headed in Arsenal’s third.
Mikel Arteta had room to introduce Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly, aiming to extend the lead. Although Nwaneri found the net again, his goal was ruled offside.
It was a dominant performance from Arsenal, who controlled the game from start to finish, leaving little doubt about their superiority on the night.
Nice run out and enjoying the youngsters playing. Nwanèri is a special talent , boy was running , pressing and asking for the ball. Jesus finally scores in over ten months!
Yes all good all round.
We often underestimate the value of the Carabao Cup but it has a really useful purpose in giving upcoming youngsters and those returning from injury a run out
Thats why it is good to go on a run in it.
Nwaneri is ready for more than a run out. Glad Jesus finally scored a goal at least hope he can come good this season now
Good Result, but Preston are no Liverpool, so we should not get too carried away by this result!!
We have a real tough run in the next three matches, I think by the end of next week will have a better idea of where we stand.
Games…..
Away to Newcastle, Away to Inter, then Away to Chelsea.
As others have said, perspective is needed about the opponent but a good result on the night.
Glad Jesus finally scored – his lack of any goals in any competition for so long was an embarrassment all round. Hopefully, this will get him into scoring form in the EPL.
Particularly pleased that young Nwaneri scored again in the competition, it certainly won’t do his confidence any harm for bigger things.
Now, let’s see if Arsenal can repeat the feat by winning away at Newcastle, a much bigger opponent in a much bigger competition.
I think we’ll see that Nwaneri goal again it reminded me a little of what Saka does when going for the far corner Arteta said he has seen him doing it in training It is a moment big moments type of finish Next I want to see him threading through balls and spreading the play I want to know what his passing range is all about He looks eager to impress which is good and hopefully these two starts proves now that he’s a goal scorer We need more goals from midfield so our guy could be needed
As for the team’s performance, it was a good exercise and a number of them stood out which they should do at this level
Good result, yes Jesus scored, well done. I thought the disallowed goal was from Havertz.
Looks like Sterling and Jesus are off it physically maybe through lack of games I hope it’s just that. Arteta is holding Ethan back perhaps to do with contract talks or also to justify his purchase of Merino. For me Partey, Nwanieri and Rice should be the midfield whilst Odegaard is injured.
Gunner4life
It’s a long season and with the cup competitions I’m sure Nwaneri will get his chances as will Merino. There are enough games to go around for everyone and for the rotation that will be needed to keep players fresh. Fingers crossed that the injury list peters out
Well done Arsenal on a good win. And well done Arteta for taking the league cup seriously. I suggest that continue to take the League Cup, and the FA Cup for that matter.
As I think that’s the only realistic chance that Arsenal have of winning silverware this season.
As for Jesus, at last a goal. I bet he’s gutted he didn’t do it a week or so earlier, as he could have been in the running to challenge Rhodri for the Ballon D’Or 🤣. (Well done on his goal and assist though).
The” Battle of the Invincibles” was a good watch. Preston has some big boys and they put a good press on us. They could have score had they their shooting boots on. Big ups to them. I was impressed by our patchwork squad of youngsters, vets and bench warmers. They moved nicely on and off the ball and created some good chances. Solid win. Nothing bad to say about either side. 👍🏾