Arsenal sailed to the English Football League Cup quarter final with a 2-0 victory over Reading at the Emirates with a brace from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
It was a return to active football for Carl Jenkinson who put a good shift with so much vigour. Where was Debuchy? The right back will be a good position to watch this season. I loved what I saw last night and Sir Jenks could have grabbed the opener in the early part of the game.
Wenger expected had a mix of the senior, juniors and other players who had featured sparingly this season. Martinez was in goal, Gabriel and Holding were central with Gibbs and Jenks by the sides. El Neny was the senior man in the middle with young Niles and the Jeff. Lucas was the top 9 flanked bu the Ox and Nigeria’s Iwobi.
It was a blend with more youthful display than experienced ones. The Jeff danced around, so did Iwobi. Niles had tries at goal but they were miles away from opening the scoring for the night. Lucas was surprisingly selfless and opted for passes instead taking a shot. Does he enjoy playing on the flanks and making assists like his assists for Mesut Ozil against Ludogorets.
In the 33rd minutes, the Ox opened the gates from the right side with his 4th goal of the season. Al Habsi kept the scoreline 1-0 at half time with Martinez also troubled at the other end. The Royals didn’t sit back. They may have watched the 5-7 defeat in 2012 the last time they met in the League Cup. It may driven them to try a miracle but the Gunners held sway. Gabriel and Holding kept their cool.
Giroud came in the Jeff for his first game since his toe injury a month ago. His header from an El Neny free-kick was saved by Al Habsi. The rebound was also saved on the line. Lucas hobbed off with Chris Willock his replacement and. The Gunners needed a second. The second goal came in the 77th minute thanks to a shot from outside the box by Oxlade- Chamberlain. Minutes later he was subbed off for Zelalem.
The Royals tried to get a consolation goal but the match ended 2-0 with Gunners matching on to the Quarter Final. The draws will be held tonight. Who will love to face the Gunners?
SoccerGunz 