Arsenal got the win they needed to progress against Blackpool on Wednesday night, but it ended up being harder work than it could’ve been thanks to Matteo Guendouzi’s red card.
Arsenal never looked in much trouble before the 58th minute. For the first time in a long time, they had a lead at the half-time break, and they doubled it early on in the second half. Just when it seemed they’d breeze through to the quarter-finals, Guendouzi picked up a very soft second yellow and Blackpool pulled a goal back.
Thankfully, the team then dug in and got the win, with Blackpool also picking up a red card in the final minutes.
Let’s have a look at our individual player ratings for the match.
2Midfield
Matteo Guendouzi 7
Guendouzi was probably Arsenal’s best performer before his second yellow. He set up the opening goal, and every time a defender picked up the ball they just looked to give it to him to move it forward.
Unfortunately, he was then sent off, rather harshly. Both yellows were very soft, but he shouldn’t have taken the risk of picking up a second.
Aaron Ramsey 6
Ramsey was never particularly effective in this one. He had one big chance in the first half, but it fell to his weak foot and he lifted it well over the bar. The midfielder did make some nice runs, he just didn’t do anything with them.
Emile Smith Rowe 7.5
Smith Rowe took his goal nicely, his first senior goal at the Emirates Stadium. He always looked lively, though he couldn’t create as much as in some of his other Arsenal showings for the academy and the first team. Nonetheless, he’s making a very strong start to his young Gunners career.
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