Arsenal were in Carabao Cup action on Wednesday night in what was a must win game for the Gunners.
And Mikel Arteta wanted to make no mistake with a strong line up. West Brom started the season well but they rotated their side for this cup game.
Arsenal also made changes, 7 from the Chelsea game – but arguably some of those changes made the team stronger. Odegaard and Ramsdale were in for their debuts, Aubameyang was back fully fit and ready to start.
Aaron Ramsdale – 9 Looked really assured with the ball at his feet and made a few decent saves too. Very nice debut from Aaron.
Calum Chambers – 5
Rob Holding – 6
Sead Kolasinac – 7
Nuno Tavares – 7
Mohammed Elneny – 6
Granit Xhaka – 7
Nicolas Pepe – 8
Martin Odegaard – 8
Bukayo Saka – 10 Showed brilliant initiative for the opening goal, determination to break through several physical players before getting a shot away that was parried to Auba. Played a part in the other goals and then for the fourth, started the attack, made a lovely run on and off the ball, playing a one-two with Odegaard before slotting in with his weak foot.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – 10 Yes the opposition was poor, but a hattrick will be a huge boost for Auba and Arsenal. He’s looking fully fit and that’s what Arsenal need ahead of the weekends game against Manchester City.
Subs
Alexandre Lacazette – 9
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7
Gabriel Martinelli – N/A