Arsenal put on an efficient attacking display to emerge triumphant against Championship side Preston in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri shone with a spectacular goal - his third of the competition - while Gabriel Jesus ended his goal drought with his first goal since January. Substitute Kai Havertz rounded off the scoring with a superb header, highlighting Arsenal's efficiency in front of goal.
Arsenal's Triumph in the Carabao Cup: Ethan Nwaneri Steals the Show
In the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, Arsenal showcased their offensive prowess in a resounding victory over Preston North End from the Championship division. The match witnessed the brilliance of 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who netted a magnificent goal, his third in the competition. Gabriel Jesus broke his goal drought with his first strike since January, while substitute Kai Havertz capped off the scoring with a superb header.
Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal's Rising Star
The match against Preston marked Nwaneri's first start for Arsenal's senior team. The Nigerian-born midfielder, who joined the club at the age of 9, has been making waves through the academy ranks. His impressive performances in the Carabao Cup have further showcased his exceptional talent and promise. Nwaneri's goal against Preston was a testament to his maturity and composure, as he calmly slotted the ball home from inside the box.
Gabriel Jesus Returns to Form
Gabriel Jesus, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City during the summer transfer window, had been enduring a lean spell in front of goal. However, he broke his drought with a well-taken strike against Preston. The goal was a huge confidence boost for the Brazilian forward and will undoubtedly give him the impetus to continue finding the back of the net.
Arsenal's Efficient Attack
Arsenal's victory against Preston was a testament to their efficient attacking play. The Gunners created numerous scoring opportunities and were ruthless in their finishing. Nwaneri, Jesus, and Havertz all displayed their quality in front of goal, showcasing Arsenal's depth and variety in their attacking options.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who is Ethan Nwaneri? Ethan Nwaneri is a 17-year-old Nigerian-born midfielder who joined Arsenal's academy at the age of 9. He has been making waves through the youth ranks and made his senior debut against Preston in the Carabao Cup.
2. Where did Gabriel Jesus play before joining Arsenal? Gabriel Jesus played for Manchester City before joining Arsenal in the summer of 2022. He was a key player for City, scoring numerous goals and winning several trophies during his time there.
3. What is the Carabao Cup? The Carabao Cup, also known as the EFL Cup, is an English football competition that involves teams from all levels of the English football league system. It is a knock-out competition, with the winner being awarded a place in the UEFA Europa League.
4. Who is Arsenal's manager? Arsenal's manager is Mikel Arteta. He took over the reins in December 2019 and has guided the team to an FA Cup triumph and a runner-up finish in the Premier League.
5. When is Arsenal's next match? Arsenal's next match is against Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday, October 9, 2023. The match will take place at Arsenal's home ground, the Emirates Stadium.
In a surprising upset, Crystal Palace secured a 3-0 victory over a much-changed Liverpool team in the Carabao Cup. Senegalese forward Ismaila Sarr scored two goals and Yeremy Pino added a third, while Liverpool's manager Arne Slot faced backlash for his team selection. The loss marks the sixth defeat in seven games for the reigning Premier League champions, raising concerns about their current form and ability to meet the club's "standards".
Manchester City came from behind to beat Swansea City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with late goals from Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki. Swansea had taken an early lead through Goncalo Franco's impressive strike, but Jeremy Doku's deflected effort brought City level before the break. The Premier League powerhouse dominated the rest of the game, with Marmoush and Cherki sealing the win in the final minutes. Despite a strong start, Swansea was unable to hold off City's relentless attack, ending their hopes of an upset.
Despite a promising start and some early chances, Liverpool were unable to find the back of the net and suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha stood out for the Reds, but ultimately their inability to capitalize on their opportunities led to their downfall. Federico Chiesa had a particularly close chance, but his effort was saved by Palace's goalkeeper.
Pep Guardiola's young Manchester City side secured a 3-1 away win against Swansea City in the EFL Cup, with goals from Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki. The win showcased the depth and potential of the City squad as they dominated the game. Goalkeeper James Trafford, filling in for the first team, had a decent performance with a rating of 6 out of 10.
Chelsea overcame an intense atmosphere and a late comeback attempt from Wolves to secure a 3-2 victory and a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Estevao Willian scored in the first half to give Chelsea a comfortable lead, but a strong second-half performance from Wolves, including goals from Tolu Arokodare and David Moller Wolfe, nearly threatened to turn the tie in their favor. However, a goal from Chelsea's Jamie Gittens and a late red card for returning striker Liam Delap secured the win for the Blues.
Liverpool failed to impress in their EFL Cup match against Crystal Palace, suffering a 3-0 loss at Selhurst Park. Despite a slow start, the Eagles took the lead in the 41st minute with a goal from Ismaila Sarr. They doubled this lead just four minutes later with another goal from Sarr. In the 79th minute, Liverpool was reduced to ten men before Yeremy Pino sealed the victory for Palace with a goal in the 88th minute. The disappointing result leaves Liverpool with a lot to reflect on and improve upon for their upcoming matches.
Chelsea faced a thrilling battle against Wolves in the Carabao Cup, ultimately securing a quarter-final spot with a 4-3 win. The away team dominated in the first half, leaving Wolves struggling to keep up. However, a determined Wolves side fought back in the second half, with Tolu Arokodare and David Moller Wolfe scoring to close the gap. Despite a late red card for Chelsea's Liam Delap, they were able to hold on to their lead and secure the win.
Liverpool's woes continue as they suffer their sixth defeat in seven games, this time against Crystal Palace. Despite the pressure mounting, manager Arne Slot remains confident in his job security, stating that it has not changed much after this loss. However, he acknowledges that there are multiple reasons for their downturn in form and refuses to make excuses. Share your thoughts on Liverpool's struggles in the comments.
Liverpool's struggles continue as they suffer their fifth defeat in six games across all competitions. With key players out injured and a new goalkeeper making his debut, the Reds were unable to find their form against a strong Crystal Palace side. This loss adds pressure on coach Arne Slot and raises questions about their chances in the Premier League and Champions League competitions. Liverpool will have to regroup quickly as they play two more games at Anfield next week.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who was signed from Real Sociedad in 2024, has opened up about the difficult start to his career with the Gunners when he suffered a rare shoulder injury during his very first training session. In an interview with La Media Inglesa, the Spanish international talks about how this injury, which he didn't even know was possible on the football pitch, delayed his debut by a month. Despite the setback, Merino has become an important player for both club and country since joining Arsenal.