Mikel Arteta has avoided the wrath of the Arsenal faithful after risking Thomas Partey in the 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon.
Speaking plainly, the excitement of the fixture which built up prior to the announcement of the line-up was sucked out of it by the selection. The absence of the youth squad participants left Gunners supporters shaking their heads as they scanned the announcement of the team.
3rd round League Cup games against lower league opposition were known for the ability to give the players in the youth team a chance and Mikel Arteta extinguished that with his rather dull selection.
Fans even had to wait a considerable amount of time to see Folarin Balogun get his chance with Eddie Nketiah starting the match. The striker is out of contract at the end of the year and has so far refused to sign a tabled offer.
The early Lacazette penalty took most apprehensions of a cup upset out of the game and it became more a case of wishing for key players like Partey to come through unscathed.
What was clear is the absence of both Emile Smith-Rowe and Martin Odegaard left Arsenal without much in terms of creativity.
This was further highlighted how light Arsenal could become should they lose either one of the midfielders. Arteta’s desired 4-3-3 system relies on both being available, another possible avenue for Charlie Patino to possibly get involved. His absence from the squad a big dip in the mood ahead of kick-off.
Smith-Rowe’s introduction alongside Saka highlighted the desperate need for the pair to be involved and just minutes after the senior England international’s introduction, he was involved in the Gunners’ second. Smith-Rowe the scorer after a goal-mouth scramble.
The positives are that Partey did indeed come through unscathed. football.london understands that the Ghanaian asked Arteta to be involved in the match despite his injury concerns.
Meanwhile, Nketiah's fine back-heeled finish which made it three goals on the night gives Arteta some food for thought.
Arsenal progress to the next round in a cup which, without European competition, takes on an increased priority from previous seasons.
Mikel Arteta must now focus on the north London derby and with plenty of Spurs starters playing at Wolves this evening, the Gunners may have a slight edge in regards to fitness for Sunday.
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