Arsenal: 4 talking points from 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Leeds

Arsenal has advanced through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over Leeds United, in what turned out to be a comfortable evening for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Second-half goals from Calum Chambers (in Nicklas Bendtner clothing) and Eddie Nketiah sealed the win, extending the club’s unbeaten streak in all matches to eight games.

Several fringe players including Cedric, Rob Holding, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Eddie Nketiah, and Mohamed Elneny were all given starting berths as Arteta had one eye on the weekend’s clash with Leicester City.

A decent start from the hosts had energy and determination, but there was little avoiding that the team looked like one that hadn’t played many minutes together.

Arsenal: 4 talking points from 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Leeds as Mikel Arteta’s side book their place in the quarter-finals

Sead Kolasinac had the best chance for Arsenal in the first half as he collected the ball after Nketiah’s strong run, only to be denied by Illan Meslier at the near post.

Bernd Leno was on hand to keep the Gunners in the game as he made a couple of smart saves, including a strong hand to his left as Jack Harrison’s fierce drive went through a sea of bodies.

A much improved display in the second half saw Arteta’s men gain control of proceedings, with Chambers getting the ball rolling as he reacted quickest in the penalty box to head just over the line. Nketiah wrapped the game up after pouncing on Liam Cooper’s poor backpass, ensuring it was all smiles in north London.

As with any Arsenal match, it threw up plenty of talking points, and here they are.

1. Ainsley Maitland-Niles Coming Out Party

Playing his preferred central midfield position, the 24-year-old had perhaps his best game all season. Assured and confident on the ball, he made several interceptions as he looked at home in the centre of the park.

Partnering Elneny, Maitland-Niles was engaged and combative as he controlled the tempo at times while he and Elneny dealt with anything Leeds tried to throw their way. His reading of the game was impressive and like the man just behind him in defence, his calmness in the face of pressure steadied the Arsenal ship and kept Leeds frustrated.

He barely put a foot wrong as he was one of Arteta’s best performers on the night, possibly worthy of the man of the match award.

Tonight’s performance will give Arteta food for thought, especially when January rolls around and the likes of Thomas Partey and Elneny will be away on international duty.

If Maitland-Niles produces this type of performance consistently, then he will be first up when Arteta decides to rotate the squad. A superb performance from the Englishman, who looks like a capable deputy in that position when others aren’t available.

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