The EFL Cup offers Arsene Wenger the opportunity to rotate his squad and see what his periphery players have to offer. It also offers the chance for the future stars to make their name. The likes of Jeff Rene-Adelaide, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Emi Martinez came into the side, as well as Carl Jenkinson, who was making his comeback from injury after missing around nine months of football.
They began as most expected it would – Arsenal dominating possession and seemingly creating chances at will. First Carl Jenkinson burst through, only to fire his shot straight at Al-Habsi. Both Perez and Chamberlain had chances where they should’ve done better before the Gunners were rewarded for their endeavours, when the latter drove into the Reading penalty area and fired a low shot into the far corner; simple as you like.
Reading threatened briefly before the break with a deflected effort that sailed just over, but the Gunners were never in danger. Holding and Gabriel looked completely assured and provided the basis for a strong second half.
Arsenal would’ve doubled their lead through substitute Olivier Giroud if it wasn’t for a stunning, point blank stop from Al-Habsi. It wasn’t long, however, before the North London side did get their second. After some good work from the excellent Rob Holding, the ball broke kindly for Chamberlain who thumped in an effort that took a crucial flick off a Reading leg on the way in, and that was that.
Let’s look at the ratings!
