Arsenal player ratings vs Preston

Arsenal’s Carabao Cup campaign rolled on smoothly with over Preston North End on Wednesday night with the scoreline Preston 0-3 Arsenal.

The match showcased the continued rise of young talent Ethan Nwaneri, who delivered an excellent performance capped off by a stunning goal.

The Gunners started strongly, with Gabriel Jesus breaking his nine-month goal drought by scoring off Jakub Kiwior's assist in this Preston vs Arsenal game.

Jesus later set up Nwaneri’s brilliant 20-yard strike to make it 2-0. Despite a few second-half attempts from Preston, Arsenal remained largely unchallenged.

Half-time substitute Kai Havertz sealed the victory with a powerful header, and while he had a second attempt ruled offside, the German left a positive impact.

So, how did the Gunners perform in this Preston vs Arsenal EFL Cup game? Here are the Arsenal player ratings vs Preston in their impressive 3-0 victory in the EFL Cup 4th round game.

Arsenal player ratings vs Preston - EFL Cup (4-3-3)

Arsenal starting XI vs Preston

Goalkeeper: Tommy Setford (7/10)

The 18-year-old debutant had a fairly straightforward evening, with Preston managing only two shots on target. Showed slight nerves early on but settled well in this Preston vs Arsenal game.

Right Back: Jurrien Timber (7/10)

Played only the first half but displayed moments of promise on the attack. He will be disappointed not to have provided more in the final third.

Centre Back: William Saliba (8/10)

Fresh off his suspension, Saliba was dominant in defence, completing 103 out of 107 passes and ensuring stability at the back. Preston rarely troubled him.

Centre Back: Jakub Kiwior (7/10)

Everywhere on the pitch, Kiwior contributed significantly with two assists and solid link-up play down the left side. It is a top performance from the Polish international in this Preston vs Arsenal game.

Left Back: Oleksandr Zinchenko (8/10)

Made a rare appearance and impressed with his calmness and ability to control the play from the left. He may have improved his future selection prospects.

Centre Midfielder: Jorginho (8/10)

Brought experience to midfield, effectively dictating Arsenal’s tempo, especially early in the match. His influence allowed Arsenal to dominate possession.

Centre Midfielder: Ethan Nwaneri (8/10)

It was a star performance from the teenager in this Preston vs Arsenal EFL Cup game, who combined energy, skill, and confidence. His fantastic goal underscored his immense potential.

Centre Midfielder: Mikel Merino (8/10)

Merino continued building his fitness with a solid first half, showing some excellent touches and helping control the game.

Left Wing: Gabriel Martinelli (7/10)

Lively early on and delivered a quality free-kick assist for Jesus’ goal, though he faded as the match progressed.

Centre Forward: Gabriel Jesus (8/10)

Broke his nine-month scoring drought with the opener and added an assist. While still working on his sharpness, this was a positive step forward.

Right Wing: Raheem Sterling (7/10)

Sterling struggled to make an impact. Showed some flashes of his ability but lost possession frequently, and his decision-making let him down at times.

Arsenal substitutes vs Preston

Kai Havertz (8/10) - Merino 46’

Havertz scored a powerful header and offered composure up front, though his impact was limited beyond the goal.

Thomas Partey (7/10) - Timber 46’

Partey was brought on for stability in defence and shifted occasionally into midfield. He had little to do on a quiet night.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (7/10) - Zinchenko 62’

The young substitute made a brief yet effective appearance, showing confidence in his limited minutes.

Bukayo Saka (8/10) - Martinelli 62’

An unexpected substitute, Saka made the most of his short time, creating chances and adding energy despite not needing to exert himself too much.

Ayden Heaven (5/10) - Nwaneri 80’

A late debut for the teenager, who came on for Nwaneri with only minutes remaining. He blended well with the team’s composed finish.

Arsenal manager vs Preston

Mikel Arteta (8/10)

Mikel Arteta will be pleased with his team’s control and execution, though the decision to play Saka after his recent injury could raise concerns.

Arsenal player ratings vs Preston (4-3-3): Starting XI -Setford (7/10); Timber (7/10), Saliba (8/10), Kiwior (7/10), Zinchenko (8/10); Jorginho (8/10), Nwaneri (8/10), Merino (8/10); Martinelli (7/10), Jesus (8/10), Sterling (7/10). Substitutes - Havertz (8/10), Partey (7/10), Lewis-Skelly (7/10), Saka (8/10), Heaven (5/10). Manager - Arteta (8/10).

What are you Arsenal player ratings vs Preston in their impressive 3-0 victory in the EFL Cup 4th round game?