Arsenal Vs West Ham United: 5 things we learned – Hint of the future?

Arsenal hosted West Ham United in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. Here are five things we learned from the 1-0 win.

Job done. Just. In one of the worst games that I have had the displeasure sitting through, which seems to be a running theme with Arsenal and the Carabao Cup this season, the Gunners find themselves in the semi-finals of the lesser domestic cup and a chance of securing the first trophy of the year.

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Here are five things we learned from Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over West Ham United.

5. Joe Willock shows his ability

Joe Willock was a surprise start. With Jack Wilshere rested because of Aaron Ramsey’s absence, which is expected to extend until January, Willock was afforded the opportunity to play in a free-roaming, energetic, box-to-box midfield role. He acquitted himself very well.

He achieved a 92% pass accuracy, which is excellent for a young central midfielder, completed four dribbles, which is the joint-most of any player on the pitch, but was dispossessed three times, which was, along with Theo Walcott, who is not exactly renowned for his ball protection, the worst measure.

That is not necessarily surprising for a young player still adapting to the unique pace and physicality of the modern game. It can be difficult to make the jump from junior to senior level where there is no athletic advantage. But Willock, without being spectacular, was good. And, for now, that is exciting for the future.