Arsenal: 4 talking points from 3-0 AFC Wimbledon win

Arsenal secured their passage to the Carabao Cup last 16 with a 3-0 home win over AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday night, setting up a tie with Leeds United in the next round.

It was a game Mikel Arteta’s side were expected to win, facing a team 38 places below them in the English football pyramid, and they got the ball rolling nice and early in the 11th minute.

Gabriel Martinelli was felled in the box with Alexandre Lacazette, who is yet to miss a spot-kick for Arsenal, tucking away the resulting penalty.

That was the only shot on target for the Gunners in a first half where the manager opted to field a strong side, one he hinted at pre-match, a decision that paid off after the break even if there were a few in attendance who were hoping for a touch of youth injection.

4 talking points from the 3-0 AFC Wimbledon win as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal secure their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round

Thomas Partey was given 60 minutes before being replaced by Emile Smith Rowe, who calmed any nerves on the night as he tucked home 17 minutes later from Alexandre Lacazette’s pass in the box.

Bukayo Saka even entered the fray shortly before the second in front of an Emirates Stadium boasting an impressive 45,000 strong crowd, and he was involved with his fellow Hale Ender in the build up.

With the clock ticking there was time for the best goal of the night to put the game beyond any doubt, arriving via the heel of Eddie Nketiah. Cedric’s cross from the right found the striker, whose delightful improvised flick finish nestled into the bottom far corner.

It’s a result that nicely sets up a mouthwatering clash with Tottenham on Sunday, as the win makes it three on the bounce for the Gunners with three clean sheets to boot. Spirits are high and momentum is behind the team, and here are the talking points from a soothing night in north London.

1. Aaron Ramsdale is the Undisputed Number One

There wasn’t much in the way or argument about this in the first place.

Getting the nod for the visit of Norwich and then keeping his place against Burnley, there were few doubts over Aaron Ramsdale’s suitability to the role and his place in the standings, but to see Bernd Leno chosen to start against AFC Wimbledon with he 23-year-old nowhere in sight completely cemented that.

The German had precious little to do on the night with the Dons not managing to register a shot on target, but the selections still dispel any unfounded murmurs of Leno being reinstated to the team for the North London Derby.

It nips all that nonsense in the bud and places Ramsdale as the undisputed first choice.

Having impressed since coming into the side, most notably away at Turf Moor, there is no reason whatsoever to make further changes. He’s got his chance and now he’s owning it.

Continued…