Arsenal made heavy weather of their Carabao Cup third round tie against Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday, scraping through to the next stage with a 1-0 win.
Theo Walcott grabbed the only goal of the match, midway through the first half. But, the Gunners failed to capitalise on several other chances that came their way as the visitors produced a dogged display to remain in contention for a shock result.
However, Arsene Wenger’s men managed to hold on and progress to the fourth round of the competition, where they will meet Norwich City. Wenger, though, was at the receiving end of some fan’s praises, despite a scrappy performance by his side on the night.
Wenger now beaten two generations of Ferguson’s.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) September 20, 2017
Letting Alexis Sanchez play against teams like Doncaster, Wenger has been showing him he’s not bigger than Arsenal FC. Take a bow, Arsene.
— Lady Goonerette (@LadyGonerette) September 20, 2017
Wenger was right when he said that for the first time in many years we have a good squad depth. I mean look at the strength of that team
— Danny Welbeck (@WelBeast) September 20, 2017
Wenger for 21 years has played young players wide to improve them when they move centrally. Why are complaining about Niles & Nelson?
— Aido (@HandofHenry) September 20, 2017
There was a buzz surrounding the full debut of Reiss Nelson, while Theo Walcott was also hailed for his goal.
Theo Walcott’s numbers defy logic. Capable of dropping a 3/10 performance but scoring 2
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) September 20, 2017
Theo Walcott has now scored 8 goals in his last 8 games in domestic cup competitions for Arsenal.
?⚽️ pic.twitter.com/MgQobjleUE
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 20, 2017
Lovely finish by Theo Walcott, assisted by Alexis Sanchez ? #ARSDON #AFCvDRFC pic.twitter.com/IuK6om8Zm2
— Le Coq (@LeCoqueliin) September 20, 2017
Another chance to see hot prospects AMN, Reiss Nelson, Jack Wilshere & the BFG in the next round of the #EFLCup with a home game vs NCFC.
— The Gooner Ramble (@GoonerRamble) September 20, 2017
Well done @ReissNelson9 for your first start & @Joewillock and @joshdasilva_ for making your debuts in the Caraboa Cup tonight!? #Future pic.twitter.com/LEhkYeuKHX
— now.arsenal (@nowarsenaI) September 20, 2017
Not going to lie was buzzing to see @ReissNelson9 make his 1st competitive start tonight needs more game time. #TheFuture #AFCvsDRFC #RN61 pic.twitter.com/zsLnWhRAXX
— Adam Brannigan (@brannigan555) September 21, 2017
But, the man of the night was Jack Wilshere, who was a highly influential figure in his first start for Arsenal in 493 days.
Jack Wilshere starts for Arsenal for the first time since the final game of the 2015/16 season.
After 493 days, Jack is back. pic.twitter.com/aICjvkW0oc
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 20, 2017
Wilshere been superb tonight. I think I might have to go back to the old routine – Wilshere Man of the Match.
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) September 20, 2017
Jack Wilshere makes football look so easy. Hopefully he can stay fit and get some real game time in the Prem.
— Adam Keys (@_AdamKeys) September 20, 2017
Seeing Jack Wilshere on a football pitch strutting his stuff is as close to heaven as it can get here on earth
— Ghoochannejhad (@_C_hacha) September 20, 2017
Jack Wilshere isn’t afraid to play the easy but effective ball. And it’s in that simplicity Pep Guardiola saw something of Iniesta in him
— Layth (@laythy29) September 20, 2017
All this years later, Wilshere is still our most exciting central midfield player after Cazorla.
— Jas (@JasAFC) September 20, 2017
It really is Jack Wilshere FC.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) September 20, 2017
Jack Wilshere just played 90 minutes for Arsenal for the first time in nearly 3 years. And he was really, really good.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) September 20, 2017
Wilshere much more mature on the ball, instead of unnecessary dribbling he’s making use of his superb passing. Showing very good signs
— The Return (@WilshTheBaller) September 20, 2017
I don’t wanna overreact but Jack Wilshere is the best midfielder in the world
— ㅤAaron (@ReidTheGame) September 20, 2017
Not a particularly convincing performance overall. Thought Wilshere was excellent though, great to see him back in the starting lineup.
— Terje (@ArsenalTerje) September 20, 2017
He’s extremely unreliable cos of injuries but it’s no coincidence that Wilshere comes back and we start playing football again…
— jeremie (@aliladiere) September 20, 2017
Jack Wilshere’s game is so easy on the eye.
— FK³ (@fkhanage) September 20, 2017