October 31, (THEWILL) – Arsenal advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals following a commanding 3-0 victory against Preston North End at Deepdale on Wednesday evening. Gabriel Jesus ended his goal drought, finding the net for the first time in 25 matches, while 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz contributed to the comprehensive win.
Mikel Arteta’s side, despite making nine changes from the League draw with Liverpool, demonstrated their squad depth. The opening goal arrived when Jesus volleyed home following Jakub Kiwior’s header from Gabriel Martinelli’s free-kick. Nwaneri doubled the advantage with an outstanding curled effort from 20 yards, marking his second goal against Lancashire opposition in the competition.
The London club extended their lead in the 57th minute through Havertz, who met Kiwior’s cross with a precise header. Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman performed admirably throughout the second half, including an impressive triple save to prevent further Arsenal goals.
The match provided additional opportunities for both sides in the closing stages. Nwaneri struck the crossbar in his pursuit of a second goal, while a last-minute goal-line clearance denied Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling from adding a fourth for the visitors.
Arsenal’s performance ensured their position in the final eight of the competition, maintaining their pursuit of domestic honours in the 2024/2025 season.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
