Arsenal's best players in Carabao Cup victory over Preston

Arsenal seldom had to escape second gear on Wednesday evening as they powered past Championship outfit Preston North End in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

The Gunners eased to a 3-0 victory at Deepdale courtesy of a clinical and dominant display, with Mikel Arteta even offered the opportunity to rest an array of his premium talents such as Declan Rice and David Raya.

The quarter-final now awaits for Arsenal, who will be eyeing their first major silverware since the FA Cup in 2019/20. Arteta now has a contingent of back-up options capable of dazzling when called upon and many of them stepped up against Preston.

Here were Arsenal's best players on Wednesday evening.

Arsenal's best players vs Preston

Ethan Nwaneri

The construction of Ethan Nwaneri's statue outside of the Emirates Stadium is already in the planning phase. The sensational 17-year-old had wowed a joyous Arsenal crowd in the third round after bagging a brace against Bolton Wanderers and his stock rose further in Lancashire midweek.

The highlight of his evening came in the 33rd minute. Gabriel Jesus supplied him with the ball and the fearless teenager shaped up for a shot from just outside the penalty area, bending a sumptuous strike into the far top corner with little fuss. He could have had a second later on had another curling effort crept an inch below the crossbar.

The composure with which Nwaneri already plays is staggering, gliding around the turf effortlessly alongside some of the world's most devastating footballers. Expectations are already through the roof for the wonderkid and Arteta believes he's ready to make good on his blockbuster potential.

Jakub Kiwior

Jakub Kiwior's Arsenal career has been littered with sub-par displays, with the Polish defender notably putting in a defensive disaster-class in the recent 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth after being drafted in to fill William Saliba's shoes.

However, the centre-back enjoyed one of his more fruitful nights on Wednesday. Kiwior's smart header provided Jesus with his first goal in almost a year and the 24-year-old grabbed a second assist of the evening with a wonderful cross to set up Kai Havertz for Arsenal's third.

Add into the equation a clean sheet and Kiwior will be pleased with a good night's work in Gabriel's absence.

Gabriel Jesus

Could Wednesday prove a turning point for the out-of-form Brazilian? Jesus' nine-month goal drought which had spanned 25 matches came to an end at Deepdale, the forward rifling home a half-volley from close range after a well-executed set piece.

It was hardly the finish of a footballer on a barren run and it clearly lifted a weight from his shoulders as he went from strength to strength as the game progressed.

Arsenal have ruled out Jesus' exit amid interest from former club Palmeiras and this was evidence of what the 27-year-old can still offer, even as a bit-part player behind Havertz in the pecking order.

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