Arsenal posted a scoreline every bit as dominant as they would have hoped for, winning 6-1 in last night’s match at the Emirates.
Here are five positives we have pinpointed to take from the match…
Olivier Giroud breaks his duck
This was the one Arsenal really wanted, and needed. Olivier Giroud, last season’s top scorer in Ligue One has struggled for form since arriving at the Emirates, and was dropped for the side’s away clash at Manchester City on Sunday. Arsene Wenger admitted Giroud needed to rediscover his confidence, also hurt after being booed for France on international duty, and scoring the opening goal will have done him the world of good and lifted a weight from around his shoulders. Next up, he needs to score his first Premier League goal, and Saturday’s game with Chelsea would be the perfect time. A note of caution, that these games against lower league clubs can be deceptive, remember Nicklas Bendtner scoring a hat-trick against Leyton Orient?
Andrei Arshavin is back
Andrei Arshavin truly is, or was at least, Arsenal’s forgotten man. Had the player himself shown more drive to leave the club this summer, they would have sold him, but he is happy in London and does not want to uproot. Ironically it is that same drive which caused the talented Russian to be considered for sale in the first place, and Arsene Wenger spoke after the game that he believes he has solved the Arshavin enigma. The Russian scored one and created two, and Wenger attributed it to him being played behind the striker, his most natural position. The manager admitted playing him on the left does not suit him as he finds the defensive side of the game too difficult, but indicated he needs to get in the queue for his preferred role in the first team. Nevertheless, this can have done him no harm.
Frimpong returns
Emmanuel Frimpong made his long awaited comeback from injury last night after seven months on the treatment table. He sustained a knee injury on loan with Wolves earlier in the year where he was showing impressive form. He replaced Francis Coquelin in midfield in the 73rd minute to a warm applause from the home support, successfully closing out the game. The midfielder faces intense competition to win a first team spot, and may end up on loan again in January, but simply having him back and available is a big plus.
Three full debutants – Including Serge Gnabry
It wouldn’t be a League Cup tie for Arsenal without handing out a debut or three. Damian Martinez in goal and Martin Angha in defence were both handed starting roles and did not disappoint. 20-year-old Martinez has featured on the bench for Arsenal in recent weeks so it was especially benefical for him to get some minutes in case he is called upon. Most exciting for fans, was the debut of winger Serge Gnabry from the bench, who was every bit as lively as his billing for the 20 minutes he got on the pitch. The 17-year-old is a top prospect for the future no doubt about that.
Still on track for silverware
There would have been a huge shock had Arsenal failed to progress last night, but the fact they are still in the competition, and a shout of winning silverware remains a plus. Especially considering the elimination of Manchester City, Newcastle, and Everton, three sides more than capable of winning the trophy. The draw has also pitted Chelsea and Manchester United together in the next round, meaning one will be eliminated, with defending champions Liverpool the Gunners main other challengers for the competition facing Swansea. Arsenal themselves must come through a tricky tie away to Reading, who knocked out QPR. If they can do that, and avoid the remaining top teams, the draw may just open up for them in the quarter-finals.
Can Arsenal win the competition? What did you take from last night?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
