Jesus and Nwaneri star as Arsenal ease past Preston in EFL Cup

Teenager Ethan Nwaneri gave his reputation a boost with a rifled goal as Arsenal eased into the EFL Cup quarter-final with a dominant victory over Preston North End.

Mikel Arteta showed the competition respect, picking a much-changed but still strong starting XI. Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring and substitute Kai Havertz wrapped up the win in the second half.

Fellow Arsenal forward Raheem Sterling was unable to find the goal his performance deserved with an effort cleared off the line in the dying moments.

Preston were the final Championship side left in the competition and, though they were playing in front of a packed Deepdale, they rarely challenged their Premier League opponents.

The hosts took until the 78th minute for Jeppe Okkels to test teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford, and Emil Riis Jakobsen stabbed wide in the dying moments.

Arteta will be pleased with his side’s performance as they prepare for a trip to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Talking Point – EFL Cup amongst season priorities for Arsenal boss

Arteta showed the competition the respect it deserves as Arsenal eased their way into the quarter-finals.

Five-time EFL Cup winner Raheem Sterling led the Gunners line impressively and proved a constant threat for Preston’s defenders.

Jesus, clearly out to make a statement, gave Arsenal a 24th minute lead, and once the eye-catching Nwaneri scored a second the result was never in doubt.

Arteta could be forgiven for bringing on youngsters, but instead introduced Havertz to wrap up the victory, an indication of his intention to challenge for the trophy this season.

Player of the Match – Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)

Despite not having scored since January, it was a calm finish by Jesus to open the scoring.

The Brazilian showed composure and a professionalism throughout the match and kept the Preston defence busy.

Jesus had a role to play in Nwaneri’s second goal and was a key link in Arsenal’s attacking play, producing a performance that bodes well for the remainder of his season.

Player Ratings

Preston North End: Woodman 7, Bowler 6, Greenwood 6, Holmes 7, Hughes 7, Kesler-Hayden 6, Ledson 6, Lindsay 7, Okkels 6, Thordarson 6, Whatmough 6. Subs: Best 6, Potts 7, Riis 6, Storey 6

Arsenal: Setford 7, Timber 7, Saliba 7, Kiwior 7, Zinchenko 7, Nwaneri 8, Jorginho 7, Merino 7, Sterling 8, Gabriel Jesus 8, Martinelli 7. Subs: Havertz 7, Heaven 6, Lewis-Skelly 6, Partey 6, Saka 6.

Match Highlights

24’ -GOAL! PRESTON NORTH END 0 ARSENAL 1 (JESUS): Jesus scores his first goal since January. A free-kick is headed back across goal by Kiwior straight onto the boot of Jesus who rifles his effort home.

33’ -GOAL! PRESTON NORTH END 0 ARSENAL 2 (NWANERI): Sterling puts the ball inside to Jesus and then to Nwaneri, who takes a touch to open up his body and then rifles the ball from outside the box into the top corner.

57’ – GOAL! PRESTON NORTH END 0 ARSENAL 3 (HAVERTZ): A lovely floated ball by Kiwior is met by Arsenal substitute Havertz, who guides his header straight past the goalkeeper giving him no chance.

63’ -DOUBLE SAVE BY WOODMAN: Arsenal break at pace through Sterling, who finds Jesus, whose effort is well saved. The ball flies back into the path of Sterling but Woodman is equal to his effort too. The resulting corner is headed off the line from Preston substitute Potts.

77’ -NWANERI DENIED BY BAR: The teenager is full of belief this evening. He’s picked out on the edge of the box and takes a touch before firing across goal and skimming the bar. The goalkeeper was motionless.

85’ -RIIS FIRES WIDE: A lovely ball by Frokjaer-Jensen finds Preston team-mate Riis sliding into the box. However, with goalkeeper Setford motionless the substitute can only guide his effort wide.

90+3’ -POTTS OFF THE LINE: Havertz makes a charging run into the box before passing to Sterling for an open net. However, Sterling sees his effort cleared off the line by Potts racing back.

Key Stats