Arsenal 3-0 AFC Wimbledon: Lacazette, Smith Rowe & Nketiah strike in EFL Cup

Arsenal secured their place in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 win over League One AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday, thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah.

Mikel Arteta opted to go for a strong side following the 1-0 victory over Burnley in the Premier League, with the most surprise inclusion of all being a start for Thomas Partey.

Gabriel Martinelli also came into the side, as did Ainsley Maitland-Niles, while there was an entirely different back five as Bernd Leno, Cedric, Rob Holding, Pablo Mari and Nuno Tavares all featured from the off.

If there was any doubt over who the number one goalkeeper was, Bernd Leno starting in net and Aaron Ramsdale being left out entirely was confirmation of that. Arteta put out a strong team, as he suggested.

Arsenal 3-0 AFC Wimbledon: Lacazette’s penalty was added to with Smith Rowe and Nketiah goals to secure Carabao Cup third round win

Hoping for a positive start, that was exactly what the Gunners got as Gabriel Martinelli was blatantly fouled in the box and Alexandre Lacazette did what Alexandre Lacazette does: scores from the spot with his trademark grace.

It was a strong response from the League One side who settled after the early setback and looked the more likely of the two teams to score for a decent spell.

With 35 minutes on the clock there was nearly the calming second that the hosts were after when Lacazette’s lovely ball to Martinelli through on goal saw the Brazilian take a heavy touch that took him wide. The ball eventually fell to Cedric, but his shot was someway off target.

After the break there was some continued sloppiness from both sides with Arsenal guilty of some misplaced passes, just as AFC Wimbledon, who to their credit continued to push for a route back into the game.

As expected, Partey made way on the hour mark for Emile Smith Rowe, but not before he saw an effort well saved by Nik Tzanev.

Tavares, who had an exciting and energetic evening, came closest to doubling Arsenal’s lead as his header from Martinelli’s cross was also stopped by Tzanav, who made a strong save.

Searching for a clinching goal, Arteta brought on Bukayo Saka for Martinelli – who put it in a good shift – with less than 15 minutes to play and it had an immediate impact. Saka was heavily involved as the ball eventually fell to Smith Rowe to finish from close range.

The best goal of the night was saved for last as Cedric’s cross picked out Eddie Nketiah, who produced a delightful improvised backheel finish. Think Danny Welbeck at EURO 2012.

A place in the last 16 is booked.