Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 10:53 PM• Mart van Mourik • Last update: 23:03

Arsenal booked a resounding victory in the second round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening. On a visit to West Bromwich Albion, trainer Mikel Arteta’s team already enjoyed a comfortable lead at half-time, which was expanded even further in the second half: 0-6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had the most important part in the London victory with three hits. The draw for the third round of the tournament will be made later in the evening.

From the first whistle, the Gunners the parent party. Bukayo Saka and Aubameyang, among others, already contributed in the opening phase, but due to inaccuracy in the completion and a good save by goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, the ban was not broken. There was also a chance on the other side before the end of the first quarter of play. After a good combination, Adam Reach got into scoring position within the penalty area; his slider, however, went just wide.

Arsenal scored the opening goal in the 17th minute. Goalkeeper Alex Palmer came with only half an answer to Saka’s shot, allowing Aubameyang to get the ball out of the rebound and easily tap in. Six minutes later, Saka also came close to scoring. The left winger on duty shot from about eighteen meters on goal, but the ball ended up on the outside of the post via Martin Ödegaard’s leg.

On the stroke of half-time, Arsenal started working on the goal difference. After a nice through pass from Mohamed Elneny, Nicolas Pépé was given the opportunity to fire at the goal. However, the front right hit the post, although Aubameyang, who again positioned himself well, was given the opportunity to make the 0-2. Less than sixty seconds later, Pépé even made it 0-3. The wing attacker received the ball after half a bicycle kick from the striker from Gabon and finished convincingly.

The second half was less than five minutes old when Saka took care of the 0-4. The left front got the ball back after a nice chop from Ödegaard and then found the ropes on cold blood. The 0-5 was again in the name of Aubameyang, who completed his ‘false’ hat-trick on a pass from Ainsley Maitland-Niles and with a shot into the far corner. Twenty minutes before the end, substitute Alexandre Lacazette made it 0-6 after a cross from Pépé.