Three Things We Learned after Arsenal's 3-0 win at Preston as tough trip to Newcastle looms 

Here's Gooner Fanzine print writer Ian Mills on the Gunners excellent performance at Preston 

We booked our place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a comprehensive away win at Championship strugglers Preston. Here are Three Things that stood out for Gooner Fanzine's print writer Ian Mills. 

1 - Ethan is ready 

‘We have some player there’ was Mikel Arteta’s response after seeing our prodigiously talented teenage midfielder stake a further claim for a regular first team place.

His superb goal was the highlight however he once again he showed he belongs in this company and the more he plays, the better he will become.

Yes, we have a hard run of away fixtures ahead of us however in the continuing absence of Martin Odegaard, Nwaneri offers a creative influence that has been sorely absent of late.

As the old adage goes – if you good enough you are old enough.

2 - Jesus ends goalscoring drought

After waiting nine months, Jesus finally found the back of the net again and also provided an assist for Nwaneri on what was a good night for him overall.

He remains a player that works really hard, harassing defences and generally making a nuisance of himself yet simply does not score enough goals – it remains to be seen whether this performance will inspire him onto greater things.

However at the very least it is a huge shot in the arm for his confidence levels.

3 - Cup draw opens up 

Given that the quarter-finals are an all Premier League affair – the best we could probably have hoped for was a home draw and that is what we got in the shape of a London derby versus Crystal Palace.

The Eagles are not to be underestimated as they won impressively at Villa Park last night.

However, drawing them in this competition should evoke fond memories of our only other previous meeting with them in this competition, at the semi-final stage in 1993, the last time we went on to life the three handled trophy.

I have to say a massive well done to the magnificent travelling Arsenal support here at Preston. For 5,656 loyal Gooners to make the long trip up to Lancashire on a Wednesday evening for a League Cup game shows you just how outstanding their support really is. Absolutely superb pic.twitter.com/5iZmDuUQv9

— Layth (@laythy29) October 30, 2024