Full Time: Arsenal 1-0 Doncaster Rovers
Arsenal progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, as they defeated lower league opponents Doncaster Rovers 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, on Wednesday night.
After a spell of early domination, the Gunners finally broke the deadlock 25 minutes in, through Theo Walcott’s fine effort. And despite some late scare from the visitors, that goal would prove to be enough for Arsene Wenger’s men to confirm their progression to the next round of the competition.
Here’s how the Arsenal players fared on the night;
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Ospina – 6/10
Made a couple of decent saves, including a very early stop from Rodney Kongolo’s effort.
Calum Chambers – 6.5/10
Looked comfortable on his return to the line-up after a long time. Assured in the three-man defence, before being whisked off at half-time.
Per Mertesacker – 6.5/10
There were a couple of mistakes that could have proved costly, but marshalled things well with two young defenders alongside him.
Rob Holding – 6/10
He too had a couple of nervy moments, passing wasn’t always the best either. But the clean sheet will have done his confidence some good, after a shaky start to the season.
Reiss Nelson – 5/10
The youngster struggled in the wing-back role. Gave away possession, invited pressure on his teammates a couple of times. Had a good shot at goal after the break, but was disappointing overall.
Jack Wilshere – 8/10
The best Arsenal player on the pitch on the night. Found Olivier Giroud brilliantly, leading to his effort that hit the woodwork in the first-half. Neat footwork, driving runs forward, good link-up play. If it is the sign of things to come, not long before he starts making regular appearances.
Mohamed Elneny – 7/10
Good energy levels, kept things ticking over in the middle of the park. Played a great cross for Giroud, who headed over.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6.5/10
Ran up and down the left-flank and made good use of his pace to thwart danger a couple of times in the second half.
Theo Walcott – 7/10
Opened the scoring with a great finish. But, as usual frustrated with some poor touches, loss of possession and went on to miss a great chance after the break.
Alexis Sanchez – 7/10
Had a free-kick saved in the first period. Got the assist for Walcott’s goal, with a sublime pass. Was lively, but erratic at times.
Olivier Giroud – 6/10
Hit the upright with a spectacular overhead kick early in the game. Headed over the bar from close. His wait for the 100th goal continues.
Substitutes
Josh Dasilva – 6/10
Replaced Chambers at half-time. Was tested by the visitors in the second half, but held strong. However, centre-back is not his best position.
Alex Iwobi – 6/10
On for Walcott in the 76th minute. Made a couple of driving runs forward.
Joe Willock – NA
Replaced Nelson with less than 10 minutes left.