Arsenal have progressed through to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup after a 2-0 win over Leeds United on Tuesday night, extending the team’s unbeaten streak to eight games in all competitions.
Mikel Arteta made several changes to the team that beat Aston Villa last Friday. Ben White and Emile Smith Rowe were the only players to retain their spots in the starting lineup. The hosts started the game brightly with a couple of clear-cut chances falling their way but they failed to break the deadlock in the first half.
The north Londoners took the lead early in the second half with Callum Chambers making an instant impact after replacing Ben White. He was the quickest to react to Nicolas Pepe’s cross and headed the ball just inches over the line.
Eddie Nketiah doubled the home team’s advantage after a defensive blunder from Liam Cooper. The youngster got past Illan Meslier and bundled the ball home. The Gunners are now in the quarter-finals and will wait to find their opponents when the draw takes place on Saturday.
Here are four talking points from the game:
1. A Cleansheet for Leno:
Aaron Ramsdale has, undoubtedly, claimed the No.1 spot from Bernd Leno. Ramsdale’s impressive start to life at the Emirates has limited Leno’s first-team appearances. However, that did not stop the German from putting in an excellent performance in goal.
Leno made some smart saves throughout the game, notably the stop to deny an effort from Jack Harrison. His distribution was also on point last night. Although his future is uncertain at the club, he will be determined to push for the No.1 spot for the remainder of this season.
2. Solid performance from Maitland-Niles:
Ainsley Maitland-Niles returned to his favorite position against Leeds. He partnered Mohamed Elneny in the midfield pivot and made several interceptions in the middle of the pitch to retain possession. He was calm and composed for the entire duration of the game, making him a worthy contender for the man of the match award.
If the youngster continues to capitalize on such opportunities, he could give Mikel Arteta a selection headache. He is more than capable of filling in the midfield position when the first choices aren’t available.
3. The £72Million flop?:
The Gunners broke the bank to secure the services of Nicolas Pepe in 2019. He joined them on the back of a scintillating season with Lille in France. However, he has been far from his best for the north Londoners and last night was another underwhelming outing for the Ivorian.
Pepe struggled to dribble past the Leeds defenders and lost possession of the ball on several occasions in doing so. He is already 26, and it is high time he starts delivering impressive performances on the pitch.
4. The Gunners march on:
Arsenal, in the past, have failed to continue the momentum after scoring the first goal. They usually falter to the opposition’s pressure and concede goals. It seems like Arteta and his players have learned from their mistakes. For two games in a row, the Gunners have managed to score the vital second and secure all three points.
They face a much tougher task this weekend when they travel to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City. They should be on top of their game to secure a positive result against the Foxes.
Read More: ‘Awesome talent’- Arsenal fans impressed with Ben White in Leeds win
