The Gunners cruised to victory in their English Football League round of 16 fixture against Reading on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium. An Oxlade-Chamberlain brace put Arsenal through to the quarter-finals in a game where Wenger as usual mixed experience plus youth, but how did each of the 14 players involved in action against Stam’s side perform individually?
Martínez
The Argentine was hardly troubled in the first half as Reading couldn’t create spaces to get into Arsenal’s box, but that all changed with some minutes to time. The visitors pressed for a consolation and did come close from a Kermorgant’s well-taken free-kick, but Martinez thwarted his effort to keep another clean sheet in the League Cup.
Rating : 5/5
Gibbs
The full-back had little to do for the night and was on hand to quell the runs of McCleary down his flank on the left. He chose not to join the attack for the majority of the game as he did a lot of sitting back.
Rating : 3/5
Holding
Another game another quality defending from the former Bolton Wanderers youngster. His aerial strengths were once again highlighted, and he continues to prove himself as one for the future.
Rating : 4/5
Paulista
Didn’t have much to do until Reading’s late party crashing attempts, and he was left with no choice than to bring down his man right in front of his box at the first time of asking. Was also involved in the attack, displayed his ball-playing abilities and had a good game generally.
Rating : 4/5
Jenkinson
Constituted a lot of threats to Reading’s defence from his right-wing back position earlier on in the game and went close to getting the 1st goal of the game. Nothing much was seen from him afterwards, however, he put in a good job at the back and will hope for first team opportunities this campaign.
Rating : 4/5
Reine-Adelaide
Apart from his over-indulgence on the ball while trying to prove his skills, the youngster had an above-average game. Despite still having a lot of growing to do, he contributed greatly to the attack on a consistence basis until his 66th-minute exit.
Rating : 3/5
Oxlade-Chamberlain
He singlehandedly sent Arsenal through to the next rounds with his strikes – 1 in each half. Could have added a 3rd too, and was the host’s main attacking threat in the final third against the defensive compactness of the Championship side. Enough to claim a spot in the starting XI?
Rating : 5/5
El Nenny
His attacking side was more pronounced as he laid passes upon passes to the forwards and attempted some shots himself. He also helped regain midfield possession on the few occasions it was lost and ate up a lot of ground.
Rating : 4/5
Maitland-Niles
Drifted out of his defensive midfield position and looked more like an attacking midfielder all day long. Not the smoothest of possession holding abilities but showed a lot of promises, and was left on the pitch to finish the game.
Rating : 3/5
Iwobi
Apart from miskicking what might have been a great rebound goal after Al Habsi was forced into one of his many saves of the night, the young Nigerian international barely put the wrong foot forward. Attempted a very fine effort from distance later on and was at his usual menacing best poring holes into Reading’s defence.
Rating : 4/5
Lucas
Wasn’t quite the most impressive performance from the former Deportivo man who tore La Liga defences apart last season, grabbing 17 goals at the end. Failed to risk taking needed chances as he often waited to lay passes to his attacking teammates. Had to be removed following a tough challenge from Gravenberch.
Rating : 3/5
SUBSTITUTES
Giroud
Appeared fully fit after making a 2nd half entrance, with the highlight of his game being a beautifully placed header that stung Al Arabi’s palm and almost caused a goal afterwards. Assisted Ox’s 2nd.
Rating : 3/5
Willock
Came on to replace the injured Perez, with little or no time to add anything. Made nothing out of the 2 balls he could have done better with. At 18, not more would have been expected from him.
Rating : 2/5
Zelalem
Replaced the match winner with 10 minutes to go and hardly saw much of the ball.
Rating : Unavailable