Arsenal cruised into the Carabao Cup quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over Preston North End, led by a remarkable performance from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. The young midfielder not only commanded the pitch but also scored a stunning goal from 20 yards, his third in the competition, captivating Arsenal’s traveling fans at Deepdale.
The Gunners struck first in the 23rd minute, with Gabriel Jesus finding the net off a Jakub Kiwior setup. Nwaneri doubled the lead shortly after, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box that sailed into the top corner. In the second half, substitute Kai Havertz added a third with a precise header, sealing Arsenal’s path to the quarterfinals.
Arsenal maintained control from start to finish. Manager Mikel Arteta, who rotated eight players from his last Premier League lineup, praised Nwaneri’s skill and maturity. “He showed incredible confidence and composure for his age,” Arteta said. “The fans can see his quality, and we’ll continue to support his development.”
Goalkeeper Tommy Setford, making his first start for Arsenal, recorded a clean sheet, facing limited challenges thanks to a solid Arsenal defense. Preston, who made six lineup changes, struggled to keep pace and saw limited offensive opportunities.
Arsenal fans left the stadium energized by Nwaneri’s display and the team’s dominant showing. The Gunners now look ahead to their Premier League clash with Newcastle, as they continue a run of challenging away fixtures.
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