Arsenal clashed heads with West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns earlier today as they looked to secure a much-needed victory on the road in the EFL Cup. The Gunners made a slow start to the game but took the lead in the 17th minute courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal. The Gabon international scored again in the 45th minute via a tap-in before Nicolas Pepe also found the back of the net in injury-time as the North London outfit went into the half-time break with a commanding three-goal lead.
Bukayo Saka also got in on the goal-scoring act as he produced a composed finish to make it 4-0 for Arsenal in the 50th minute. Aubameyang completed his hattrick with a great strike just after the hour mark. Alexandre Lacazette put the icing on the cake by adding another goal in the 69th minute as the contest finished 6-0 in favour of Mikel Arteta’s men.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player fared during the match against the Baggies.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale – 8/10
The Gunners keeper made some important saves to deny the Baggies from scoring tonight. He will be quite content with the clean sheet.
RB: Calum Chambers – 7.5/10
Defensively, Chambers produced a strong showing throughout the game. He also passed the ball with conviction from the right-back position.
CB: Rob Holding – 7.5/10
The English defender made a couple of crucial interceptions and did well to clear the danger when required.
CB: Sead Kolasinac – 7/10
Kolasinac had to fill in as a makeshift centre-back but he did well to stand up to the test and produced a good defensive display on the road.
LB: Nuno Tavares – 7.5/10
The Portuguese youngster was solid at the back and made a few energetic runs down the left flank.
CM: Mohamed Elneny – 7/10
He anchored the midfield well and made one key chance in the opposition half.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 7/10
Xhaka got stuck in with some solid tackles which hampered West Brom’s rhythm at the centre of the park. He was substituted in the 66th minute.
RM: Nicolas Pepe – 9/10
Pepe caused all kinds of problems for the Baggies defenders and ended the game with a goal and an assist to his name.
CAM: Martin Odegaard – 7.5/10
The Norwegian playmaker had a couple of lively moments in the first half and did well to come away with an assist from this game.
LM: Bukayo Saka – 8.5/10
Saka gave a good account of himself in the West Brom half. He made a few promising dashes towards the opponent’s penalty box and got his name on the scoresheet in the 50th minute.
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 10/10
The Gabon striker produced another incredible display for Arsenal. He had the perfect game as he scored a wonderful goal to complete another career hattrick. Aubameyang picked up an assist as well and deserves the man of the match award.
Substitutes:
CM: Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7/10
He came off the bench and bagged an assist.
ST: Alexandre Lacazette – 7/10
The French striker scored Arsenal’s sixth goal in the 69th minute.
ST: Gabriel Martinelli – 6/10
He added some energy to Arteta’s attack.
