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…

2. Valuable Minutes to Players in Need

The standout name on the Arsenal team sheet was Thomas Partey, who it’s been revealed by Goal since the game had specifically asked to play.

He knows his body and the coaching department know what he needs, and getting minutes into his legs to help acclimatise him for the intense North London Derby to come was valuable. Equally, players like Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Martinelli had to get the time as well.

While neither are starters in the Premier League, the time will come where the pair will be called upon and cold legs heading into matches that are entering the latter stages are of no use.

Both may go another weekend without featuring at all when Spurs head to the Emirates, and considering that it’s another month until the next Carabao Cup match the pair had to play on Wednesday.

Freshness goes hand in hand with keeping everyone happy and due to that it was helpful that AFC Wimbledon was the draw and not, say, Manchester City, so at least Arteta could go with Team B and not Team A plus a bit of B.

A good night all round.

Continued…

3. Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka Looking Sharp

Both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe came under criticism following their performances against Burnley and very little of it was unwarranted. They’re young players, which is so easy to forget, who will struggle for consistency.

Even older and more experienced players have off days. It’s football. It’s being human.

And with fears of burnout for Saka possibly still ringing true, his display after coming on was little evidence of that. It was a League One side late on in a game Arsenal were cruising in, yes, but Saka was superb on the right hand side. He will be just fine. Talent always is.

As for Smith Rowe, whether we need to factor in his age and inexperience or not, the truth is he is a starter for Arsenal and the club No. 10. There needs to be some output from The Smith. Too much damaging pressure can’t be applied but there are responsibilities with playing that role in this team.

Wherever the goals and assists come from doesn’t matter so long as they’re coming. When he starts finding his rhythm and killer touch it can be the start of many. So even a fairly simple effort against AFC Wimbledon, and a strong 30 minutes off the bench, are hugely welcome.

Now to one-up that crossbar effort last season and grab one against Spurs. The Emirates would erupt.

Continued…

4. Another Superb Turnout From the Supporters

These cup matches tend to bring about a different crowd, with tickets cheaper and those who would normally attend on the weekend letting this one go as they opt for a more inexpensive weeknight.

You normally get reduced crowd sizes.

While that was the case of Wednesday, to still bring in 50,000 spectators to the Emirates for a Carabao Cup third round tie against League One opposition is a credit to the supporters who’re still right behind their club and their team despite the slippery slide down the Premier League table.

A superb turnout like that, all behind the team, has been a common feature across the campaign. Home and away Arsenal have been superbly backed, as ever, although to still be doing so despite the results and uncertainty behind the scenes is invaluable.

This team is far from the finished article but it will get nowhere without the support it’s getting. When was the last time the players went around the pitch at full-time and applauded the fans for a midweek third round cup tie?

What Arsenal are building on the pitch is still contentious. What they’re building with the fans off it isn’t.