Arsenal’s young Gunners delivered impressive showings in the Carabao Cup, helping the team progress to the semi-finals and to the cusp of some silverware.

Arsenal depended on a handful of talented young players to help them through to the next round of the Carabao Cup, with Arsene Wenger putting his faith in the next generation.

Joe Willock was a surprise inclusion from the start. Playing the number 10 role in Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1, he displayed a few neat touches, incisive passes and a couple of bursts forward with the ball.

The 18-year-old, who recently signed a new contract with the club, has played in all three of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fixtures this season, as well as in four of their Europa League games.

Reiss Nelson came on late in the second half, and showed signs of his pace and dribbling ability. He was always willing to receive the ball and didn’t shy away from getting stuck in, either.

One such challenge managed to anger West Ham full back Arthur Masuaku, but Nelson brushed the confrontation off.

Ben Sheaf made his second appearance for the first-team and slotted into midfield, while Josh Dasilva made his first appearance since the round four tie against Norwich. Wenger will be pleased with what he saw from the young Gunners.

Matt Macey and Eddie Nketiah, two more players who have appeared in the cup competitions this season, were unused substitutes along with Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Chuba Akpom.