Source: TheGuardian
Nketiah doubles up as Arsenal run away from Oxford in second half
This was not an occasion for the history books but everybody came out with something to grasp. A mid-strength Arsenal were too good for Oxford in the second half, having slogged through a turgid first, and prevailed via Mohamed Elneny and a brace from Eddie Nketiah. Much good may it do them, given a visit to Manchester City is up next, but a banana skin was avoided and their third-tier opponents can claim to have given them a good contest for the majority. Less palatable for Mikel Arteta was the sight of Bukayo Saka hobbling off before the third goal with the north London derby six days away.Arteta has formed a habit of going strong in the cups, regardless of opposition, and this occasion was no different. While he shuffled the pack there were still starts for Saka, Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli, the front three nailed on to face Spurs on Sunday. Among a healthy raft of contingencies on the bench was Emile Smith Rowe, whose return after four months laid low with injury will be a huge boost for the season’s second half if it is sustained. Continue reading......read full article
