Three positives from the EFL cup game against Reading

It seems that 4 years have indeed taught the Arsenal men a trick or two, given how they managed to keep this fixture against Reading rather low on the boil-a much simpler 2-0 victory as compared to the last time they played them in the League cup. As is his trade, Arsène Wenger employed a mix of youthful exuberance on show along with a few senior stars, with Kieran Gibbs, 27, leading the team. Here are the three positives I saw from Arsenal’s fourth straight game at the Emirates last night.

Untouchable Bellerin will allow Jenkinson to earn his number two status

Ever since he was bumped up from Charlton Athletic to the Champions league in a few weeks back in 2011, I have been a silent fan of Carl Jenkinson. Being an Arsenal player and English at the same time meant that recent history was not on his side when it came down to holding his place in the team. Injuries, loan spells and a repeat of the same meant he played his first Gunners’ appearance in 898 days yesterday. This time however, the timing of his return is perfect to help advance his career as well as Arsenal’s season. Hector Bellerin is set to continue as the Gunners number one right back and no matter how quickly he recovers, the Englishman will not dislodge his Spanish teammate. So, this means that Jenkinson has a full season ahead of him where he can play without pressure and get game time to help speed his recovery. Almost scoring on your first day back is surely a sign that he’s lost none of vigor from all those years ago.

Holding is everything that Gabriel should be

When asked about his reasons for buying Shkodran Mustafi (24), Wenger was very explicit in saying, “We have bought for the future as well”. Having only realized that Laurent Koscielny is pushing 31 and not getting any younger, I finally understood the depth of his answer. Gabriel was brought in last year to cover for the aging Per Mertesacker and provide a future partner for the French centre half. However, his performances over time have proved that he is at best a third choice CB for a club like Arsenal and Wenger sought to fix this by acquiring Rob Holding’s services. Last night’s game was yet another piece of evidence that the boy is capable of more than just keeping the ball at his feet. That sliding-tackle to stop Reading’s counter-attack in the first half showed his guile and the other side of his game. His growth at Bolton has made him a fierce defender already and it might lead him to be Mustafi’s next partner at the back. Yes, he will face tougher tests than the Harriott-Kermorgant duo but luckily for him, he’s still 21 and Koscielny still looks to me like he’s 28.

Returning Giroud’s competition is still Sanchez, not Lucas

While most of were mulling over the strikes of Oxlade Chamberlain and why he doesn’t do it more often, it was the return of our French striker which intrigued me the most. He may have not done a lot, but for a returning Olivier Giroud to show this much energy in a League cup game was encouragingly surprising. His arrival may have shifted Lucas Perez to the wing before he came off, but it seems both of Arsenal’s strikers were in a position they favored. From the chance where he chose to pass rather than shoot, it was quite clear that Lucas isn’t really ready to lead the line for the Gunners any time soon. In fact, he seemed more at home on the flanks, which was where he managed to create two assists for Mesut Ozil against Ludogorets. So for Giroud it is important to remember that he has to reach the energy levels of Alexis Sanchez if he is looking to find his way back into the first eleven. And if that happens, watch out the Premier League.