ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta jokingly threatened to fine a reporter for being late to his post-match press conference.
The Spaniard was in good spirits as he addressed the media following Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Preston North End on Wednesday.
One reporter appeared to ask a question about young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, seemingly unaware Arteta had already spoken about him.
The Arsenal boss quickly jumped in to joke: “You are late! We already talked about him!
“That’s a fine for you!”
Gabriel Jesus ended a 25-game goal drought to put the Gunners 1-0 up against Preston at Deepdale.
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Nwaneri then fired a stunning shot into the top-left corner to extend the advantage.
And Kai Havertz sealed the win with a bullet header after coming off the bench in the second half.
Discussing Nwaneri’s impressive performance at full-time, Arteta said: “He’s a big talent, he’s got the right attitude, he’s got the right players and context around him and we need to make sure that we put brick by brick in the right order but we have some player here.
“He’s going to really dictate how fast that’s going to go but I’m really happy with him.
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Arsenal ratings vs Preston
ARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.
The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.
Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.
Tommy Setford – 6
A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-time
William Saliba – 7
Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.
Jakub Kiwior – 8
Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.
Jorginho – 7
Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.
Mikel Merino – 7
A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.
Ethan Nwaneri – 9
Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.
The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.
Raheem Sterling – 7
The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.
Subs
Thomas Partey – 6
Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.
Kai Havertz – 8
Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.
Bukayo Saka – 6
More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.
Ayden Heaven – 6
Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.
“So much personality there, he wants every ball, he wants to make things happen.
“Outside and around he’s still a bit quiet as usual, he’s 17 years old, very respectful, his work ethic is tremendous and he loves what he does, you can tell that.”
Arsenal next face Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Gunners currently sit third in the table, behind Liverpool and Manchester City.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
