Arsenal secured a 1-0 win away at Brentford in the Carabao Cup last night with a heavily rotated XI, and some of the performances will now give Mikel Arteta food for thought.
The Gunners were dominant in the first half before finding themselves under pressure in the second period, but an early goal from Reiss Nelson meant Arsenal advanced to the fourth round, where they will now face a trip to West Ham United.
Who stood out against Brentford?
A number of players put in top performances having been handed rare opportunities to start, with Takehiro Tomiyasut being awarded the player of the match, and Emile Smith Rowe impressing on his return to the side.
The goalscorer Reiss Nelson also had a fair shout for the player of the match, having opened the scoring, terrorised the Brentford defence with his dribbling and should have perhaps doubled the lead in the second half.
Nelson completed 46 of his 48 attempted passes, won four ground duels, scored and hit the woodwork in a bright performance, and his close control and high-energy dribbling helped add a spark to the Arsenal attack.
Nelson should start against Bournemouth
The 23-year-old has had to be patient for his opportunities and has impressed off the bench in almost all of his appearances this season.
With Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka all injury doubts for the trip to Bournemouth, Nelson should be handed another start to see how he can develop with more regular minutes.
Nelson scored an iconic last-gasp winner against Bournemouth the last time the two sides met in March, and he will hope to get on the scoresheet again on Saturday if given the chance.
The Englishman has had an inconsistent few years, but was one of the finest talents the Hale End Academy has seen in years when he broke through, and if he can find consistent minutes this season he may begin to fulfil his potential.
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