Arsenal ratings: Partey cruises but Lacazette and Maitland-Niles struggle to make impact against third-tier Wimbledon

ARSENAL booked their place in the League Cup fourth round with a comfortable victory over League One AFC Wimbledon.

Boss Mikel Arteta made ten changes for the clash with Sunday’s North London derby in mind.

ReutersArsenal’s late double act sealed a comfortable 3-0 win against the Dons[/caption]

And the step down in quality was pretty clear for much of the match, with the Gunners labouring for long spells against limited opposition.

The introductions of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe sparked Arsenal into life, however, with two late goals adding gloss to a forgettable, but effective evening at Emirates Stadium.

Here’s how SunSport’s Etienne Fermie rated each Gunners performer on the night.

BERND LENO – 5

Returning German was a virtual spectator for the vast majority of the match, and could have worn his flip-flops he was so untested.

Received a bit of stick from AFC Wimbledon’s sizeable support, who obviously prefer former Wombles loanee Aaron Ramsdale.

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CEDRIC SOARES – 5

Made crucial last ditch block to thwart a promising AFC Wimbledon opening.

The Portuguese lacked the quality to help the Gunners going forward.

ROB HOLDING – 6

Largely untested by Ollie Palmer and then replacement Aaron Pressley.

The former Bolton man will likely be watching on from the bench come Sunday’s North London derby.

PABLO MARI – 6

Spaniard battled earnestly as fans have come to expect.

Mari’s distribution left a lot to be desired.

GettyPablo Mari battles with Anthony Hartigan[/caption]

NUNO TAVARES – 5

Embarrassingly penalised for a foul throw in the 16th minute – and beaten easily a few minutes later for Wimbledon to send in a dangerous cross.

The summer recruit clearly has raw ability, but is not yet ready to properly challenge first choice Kieran Tierney, despite flashes of quality.

SAMBI LOKONGA – 6

Tidy outing for the former Anderlecht starlet, who was able to nip a number of potential Wimbledon counter attacks in the bud.

Fans will next hope for better, more progressive use of the ball as he develops.

THOMAS PARTEY – 7

Often on hand to win the ball back for the Gunners, setting them on the attack with smart passing.

Stung Nik Tzanev’s palms with a decent effort from around 25 yards on 58 minutes, before being substituted moments later, likely with Sunday’s North London derby in mind.

Richard Pelham / The SunThomas Partey looks to make Arsenal tick in midfield[/caption]

AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES – 5

Showed some occasional nice touches here and there, but is ill-suited to playing such an advanced midfield role.

Was caught dallying on the ball early in the second-half only for the Dons to waste a decent opportunity, and started to irritate the Arsenal faithful with some of his wastefulness.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6

Scythed down in the box by Nesta Guinness-Walker after a driving run to the byline to earn Arsenal a tenth minute penalty. Took a knock in the 20th minute defending a corner, and another on the half hour mark when clattered by Luke McCormick.

Tried to skip past Nik Tzanev after being played through by Lacazette, when a first time finish may have served him better – the Brazilian faded as the game went on and was replaced by Bukayo Saka.

Richard Pelham / The SunGabriel Martinelli takes on Wombles keeper Nik Tzanev[/caption]

EDDIE NKETIAH – 7

Young forward was unlucky to see his 64th minute header saved by Tzanev.

Looked wasteful for much of the game, but salvaged his performance with an excellent backheeled finish late on.

ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE – 5

Calmly converted from the penalty spot to give Arsenal an early lead. Wasteful with his next two forays into the box.

Frenchman made very little impact aside from his early spot kick.

Richard Pelham / The SunAlexandre Lacazette slots Arsenal into the lead[/caption]

SUBSTITUTES:

Emile Smith Rowe (for Partey, 59) – Put the game to bed with a 77th minute tap in to finally end Wimbledon’s dreams of a comeback. 7

Bukayo Saka (for Martinelli, 76) England star’s introduction drew the biggest cheer of the night, and was instantly involved in the build-up to Smith Rowe’s goal, before nearly adding one of his own in stoppage time. 7

Folarin Balogun (for Nketiah, 83) Didn’t have enough time to make an impact. N/A

Not used: Hein, Chambers, Kolasinac, Elneny

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