Arsenal: 4 positives of 3-0 AFC Wimbledon win

It’s a win. Another one! And even better, it’s three clean sheets on the trot and a place in the Carabao Cup last 16 for Arsenal after beating AFC Wimbledon 3-0 on Wednesday night.

A night everyone around the world, except those in attendance, were blacked out from as this apparently became the first home game of the Emirates era not broadcast on any channel were still able to enjoy in a different way ended up the way it was expected to.

Facing the League One outfit on home soil, Arsenal were labelled pre-match as comfortable favourites.

Despite only registering one shot on target in the first half, it was a crucial one as Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty gave the hosts a platform to build on, which they did after the break.

4 positives to take from Arsenal winning 3-0 against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup third round to book a last 16 tie with Leeds United

Two substitutes played their part as Emile Smith Rowe converted the second after being found by Lacazette with help from Bukayo Saka in the build up to all-but wrap the tie up.

Victory and progression into round four to face Leeds was sewn up for good just a few minutes later as Eddie Nketiah’s gorgeous flicked finished rounded off the night in delightful fashion, providing Arsenal with the perfect preparation ahead of facing Tottenham in the North London Derby.

Without European football this season competitions such as these have in some ways taken their place. There is more emphasis on fielding strong sides and securing dominant wins over blooding youngsters.

Why not go for a trophy? Granted, it only offers a place in the Europa League Conference as a result, but what about the actual silverware? Supporters want that. After three successive final defeats in 2007, 2011 and 2018, it’d be nice to set things right.

That goal got one step closer after Wednesday’s win, which had plenty of positives about it.

1. Nuno Tavares Continues to Excite

If there is one word to describe Nuno Tavares it’s that he’s exciting. Without making too many unwanted comparisons, the same could have been said about Sead Kolasinac when he first arrived.

The Bosnian scored on his debut in the Community Shield and then had a few months of bruising, all-action displays that stirred up some positive fan reaction. The way he’d bulldoze down the left touchline wasn’t exactly glamorous, but it did make for fun viewing.

Tavares is different to Kolasinac but he’s having a similar impact in this early spell. He loves charging with the ball, relishes the physical aspect and boasts some raw qualities that have the potential to be successful, as well as in need of polishing.

Against Wimbledon his energy was relentless, never stopping to take a breath. He attempted four take-ons, had four shots, created two chances and, we mustn’t forget, was guilty of a foul throw. He learns from the best….

While he’s not going to be usurping Kieran Tierney any time soon, he’s looking like being a capable deputy and at the very least, is better than having Cedric or Granit Xhaka there. Someone it will be interesting to see develop over time.

Continued…