Arsenal player ratings vs Preston: Ethan Nwaneri a special talent as Gabriel Jesus delivers confidence boost

Arsenal cruised into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable victory at Preston.

Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring and in doing so found the net for Arsenal for the first time since January.

Ethan Nwaneri made it 2-0 before the break, with the 17-year-old curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Kai Havertz came off the bench to wrap up the victory, heading home Jakub Kiwior’s cross to make it 3-0 with over 30 minutes to go.

Standard Sport’s Simon Collings was at Deepdale to deliver his Arsenal player ratings...

Tommy Setford 6

Handed his Arsenal debut and had a fairly comfortable night’s work. A bit shaky at times coming for crosses, but the 18-year-old came out of the game with a clean sheet.

Jurrien Timber 7

Limped off against Liverpool on Sunday, but started here and got 45 minutes under his belt. Dominant with and without the ball.

William Saliba 7

Back in the team after serving his one-match suspension against Liverpool. Did not put a foot wrong all night. Classy.

Jakub Kiwior 8

Two assists for the Poland international, who slotted in at centre-back. The second was a great cross, which was headed home by Havertz.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 7

Started his first game since the opening day of the season. Tucked into midfield, as he usually does, and was bright on the ball.

Ethan Nwaneri 8 | Star player

Another start, another goal. This one was a stunning finish, as the 17-year-old curled the ball into the top corner from outside the box. A special talent.

Jorginho 8

Captain for the night and typically oozed composure at the base of midfield. Controlled the tempo of the game. A classy performance.

Mikel Merino 6

A solid half for the Spaniard, who came off at the break. Teed up Nwaneri for a good chance, but the teenager’s shot was straight at the goalkeeper.

Raheem Sterling 7

Went at his opposite number all game. Twice close to a goal in the second half, but was denied by a great save and then a heroic clearance off the line.

Gabriel Jesus 8

Scored his first goal for Arsenal since January. Grabbed an assist, too, and was one of Arsenal’s best players. Super sharp.

Gabriel Martinelli 7

Had a hand in the opening goal, as it was his free-kick that was eventually lashed home by Jesus. A solid display.

Substitutions

Kai Havertz (Merino 46’) 8

Off the bench and on the scoresheet by arrowing a header into the top corner. Had another one ruled out for offside.

Thomas Partey (Timber 46’) 7

Another good performance at right-back from the Ghana international. Could play there more this season.

Bukayo Saka (Martinelli 62’) 6

A shock to see him come on with Arsenal 3-0 up. Came through this unscathed.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Zinchenko 62’) 6

Unlucky not to start after some bright cameos recently. Solid when he came on.

Ayden Heaven (Nwaneri 80’) N/A

Subs not used: Raya, Nichols, Rice, Trossard.