How Arsenal's young guns fared vs Nottingham Forest: Martinelli, Smith Rowe, Willock, Nelson and Saka

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Simon Collings @sr_collings24 September 2019

Arsenal progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night with a 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.

As is often the case with the competition, a number of young players were given a chance to shine for Arsenal, and here Standard Sport assesses how they got on.

Looks like a classic Arsenal academy graduate - composed on the ball and can pick a pass too. He was giving a solid performance, but his night turned sour when he was stretchered off just before half-time.

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The 19-year-old went close to finding the net with a header from a Kieran Tierney cross, however he got injured in the process. He was subsequently taken off and Arsenal will hope the injury isn’t serious.

A brilliant full debut for the striker, who on this showing looks a real prospect. He was a nuisance all night, twisting and turning and causing the Nottingham Forest defenders problems right from the off.

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Capped off his performance with a well-taken goal in the first-half when he headed home Calum Chambers’s volleyed cross, before scoring a long-range strike in the second. Man of the match.

Another strong performance from the 20-year-old, who is improving with every game for Arsenal. He operated in a deep role against Forest, playing alongside Lucas Torreira to allow Mesut Ozil to flourish further forward.

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Willock should have scored just after the hour mark, but did get his goal in the 77th minute when he turned home Hector Bellerin’s cut-back.

Played his part in the opening goal and looked a threat for large parts of the game. There is no denying his ability to beat a man and he looks to have the talent to make the grade at Arsenal.

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Almost setup Martinelli in the 70th minute when he beat his man and fired in a dangerous cross. Ultimately did nab himself an assist though by swinging in the corner for Rob Holding’s goal before scoring himself in the 84th minute. Has bags of potential.

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Saka was brought on for Smith Rowe and showed glimpses of his talent. Clearly has pace to burn and the fact he is a genuine left-footed winger makes him unique in this Arsenal squad.

Should be a regular in the Europa League and Carabao Cup sides this season

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