Arsenal secured a somewhat comfortable win over championship side Brentford in the Carabao Cup third-round to take their winning run to six games in all competitions.
Arsenal ran out comfortable winners at the Emirates and opened their Carabao cup account with a decent 3-1 scoreline against Brentford. Two first-half goals from Danny Welbeck and a second-half stoppage-time strike from substitute Alexandre Lacazette sealed the game for Arsenal as they now move into the fourth round of the competition.
Arsenal had a controlled first-half and opened the scoring under five minutes after Welbeck headed Guendouzi’s cross inside the box to open the scoring. Midway through the first half, Nacho Monreal provided the cross for Welbeck to tap into the goal for his second, in what was one fantastic team move from the Gunners which started from the goalkeeper and ended with the England international with the easiest of tap-ins.
Brentford got a goal back in the second half through an Alan Judge free-kick, although there were periods in the game where the Championship side threatened Arsenal into an equaliser. In the end, the Gunners managed to keep the score 2-1 and Alexandre Lacazette who had come on from the bench sealed the game with a strike deep in second-half stoppage time to end the game 3-1.
Here’s how Arsenal’s players rated.
Bernd Leno – 6
Had a scary moment right on the first minute of the game, but since then was assured between the sticks, making some decent saves. On the Brentford goal, he could have been better positioned, especially considering the dangerous position in which the opposition won the free kick in.
Stephan Lichtsteiner – 7
Made his second start for the club and again showed the required defensive skill and technique to stop some potentially dangerous attacks. At times his speed was challenged, though there was no doubt about his defensive leadership and communication.
Shkodran Mustafi – 5.5
As usual, he had an inconsistent spell, making some mistakes that could have been punished. However, he also showed his superior side making some proper clearances and winning essential headers from crosses in the second half.
Rob Holding – 6
An improving player over the last few games he’s played in. His ability on the ball is going to be important for the season, although he lacks the necessary nous against more athletic attackers. Overall there is scope for improvement from Holding in the coming games that he plays in Sokratis’ absence.
Nacho Monreal – 6
A more reliable performance from Monreal who showed no signs of slowing down despite playing in all but one games this season for the club. Provided the assist to cap off a brilliant team move for the second goal but was defensively excellent too.
Matteo Guendouzi – 7
A good performance from the young midfielder upon his return to the starting lineup. Crossed the ball for the first goal and got the assist, but was trying to control the midfield, as his on the ball play was fantastic, which was equally bad off the ball.
Mohamed Elneny – 6.5
A typical Enleny performance where he was neat and tidy in possession and overall a solid controller of the midfield. The only drawback was his forward play as he was unable to provide much to that side of the pitch, although his commitment and energy were exceptional.
Alex Iwobi – 7
One player who we can safely say has been the most improved under Emery would be Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian has been showing more aggression and far more decisiveness on the ball than before. His passing and dribbling have also improved significantly. Iwobi gave the critical pass to Monreal to provide for Welbeck and Arsenal’s second goal.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5
Another good display on his return to the side after a minor injury. Mkhitaryan was a creative presence and innovative on the ball. It was his pass that unlocked the Brentford defence in the build-up to the second goal.
Emile Smith Rowe – 6
An excellent full debut for the Arsenal youngster. Worked hard on the ball, pressing high up the pitch, showing immense energy and intensity. Can’t blame him for not getting things done, but he tried very hard. A valuable experience for Smith Rowe nonetheless, and he is expected to grow from here.
Danny Welbeck – 8
A neat display from the English frontman, scoring two valuable first-half goals to put Arsenal in control. Showed what options he could give Emery from the central striker role and with those two goals he is Arsenal’s joint top scorer this season with four goals in all competition.
Substitutes –
Alexandre Lacazette – 6
Not the best of performances as the Frenchman came off the bench in the second half. Did score the vital third goal to seal the game for Arsenal.
Aaron Ramsey – N/A
Only for a few minutes, not enough to make an impact.
Lucas Torreira – N/A
Sent in to shore up the defence in the last few minutes, did not see much action.
