Preston North End v Arsenal – League Cup latest as Mikel Arteta's ...

NWANERI GIVES REPUTATION BOOST AS ARSENAL BEAT PRESTON

Teenager Ethan Nwaneri gave his reputation a boost with a rifled goal as Arsenal eased into the League Cup quarter-final with a 3-0 victory against Preston North End.

Mikel Arteta showed the competition respect and experienced Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring and Kai Havertz wrapped up the victory with a third goal in the second half.

Fellow Arsenal forward Raheem Sterling failed to find the goal he deserved with an effort cleared off the line in the dying moments.

Preston were the final Championship side left in the competition and despite playing in front of a packed Deepdale they rarely challenged the Premier League title challengers.

The hosts took until the 78th minute for Jeppe Okkels to test teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford and then Emil Riis stabbed wide in the dying moments.

Arteta did bring on Bukayo Saka for 28 minutes as he continues his return to fitness, but had the luxury of leaving Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard unused on the bench.

Arteta will be pleased with his side’s performance as they prepare for a trip to Newcastle United on Saturday.

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