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

Arsenal's English striker Eddie Nketiah (3R) celebrates with team mates after he scores his team's third goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Arsenal and AFC Wimbledon at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 22, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Pablo Mari of Arsenal applauds fans after his sides victory in the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and AFC Wimbledon at Emirates Stadium on September 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

3. Mikel Arteta Taking No Risks With Strong Lineup

Would it have been nice to see a couple of academy stars on the bench? Yes, it would have.

Instead the manager opted to field a side stuffed full of senior players, and while there were ten changes to the lineup from the win over Burnley, it was a team consisting of fringe first teamers.

Seeing the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool inject a host of youth for their third round ties, Arteta didn’t follow suit and satisfy a few hungry supporters who were keen to see what the academy had on offer – namely Charlie Patino.

It’s a trophy the manager clearly wants to win (as all do) and in maintaining continuity he’s building a winning mentality and confidence that will be essential if Arsenal are to achieve their goals this season. Given the Premier League starting lineup is nailed down, his thinking must be that he wants the whole senior squad in the same boat, with the same emotions and the same confidence.

You can understand it. The first team is the most important and if they’re fitter then Arsenal are fitter.

But did there need to be not even one youngster on the bench? With all due respect, it’s AFC Wimbledon at home. A League One side. Arsenal have a strong enough squad to maintain the winning momentum without having field Sead Kolasinac on the bench, for example.

This is the way the manager is going, however, and there is plenty of understanding behind it. It’s hoped he’ll do likewise with the FA Cup, however, since that trophy also offers Europa League football.

Continued…

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