TEEN SPIRIT FOR ARSENE
Wonderkid spares Arsenal blushes with his first touch
ARSENE WENGER’S bid to win a first League Cup was saved by a kid born after he took charge of Arsenal.
Teen sensation Edward Nketiah forced extra time when he netted 15 seconds after being sent on at the Emirates.
And six minutes into extra time he struck again to sink plucky Championship side Norwich.
Nketiah had played just one minute for the Gunners first team – in the Europa League last month against BATE – but looks a cracking prospect.
And with the Gunners having no chance of a title challenge this could be their best hope of a trophy this season.
Not that the French boss gives a second thought to what’s now called the Carabao Cup.
He made 11 changes to the side that thrashed Everton 5-2 on Sunday and for long spells it looked as if that decision would come back to haunt him.
Keeper Matt Macey made his debut and was beaten after 34 minutes by Josh Murphy.
He latched on to a superb through ball from James Maddison before beating Macey with a cute dink.
Macey did well to prevent Norwich doubling their lead before the break, pushing away a curling Nelson Oliveira shot after Murphy had wriggled free on the edge of the box.
Portugal international Mo Elneny could have been sent off for a last-man foul on Oliveira and then Oliveira blazed over after being found by Ivo Pinto inside the box.
Murphy wasted a half chance before Mario Vrancic should have sealed Norwich’s spot in the last eight only to shoot wide after working space in front of goal.
Wenger threw on Chuba Akpom and Nketiah as his side chased the game and it was the latter who was on hand to level.
Gunn saved superbly from Jack Wilshere in the last minute before Akpom should have won it for Arsenal deep into added time.
England Under-19 international Nketiah, released by Chelsea at Under-14 level, completed a rescue job when he headed in Elneny’s corner for the winner six minutes into extra time.
Nketiah had a chance for a hat-trick but Angus Gunn, son of former Scotland keeper Bryan, produced a fine save.
Near the end Norwich players surrounded referee Bobby Madley after he turned down their penalty claims as James Husband and Mathieu Debuchy came together in the box.
The visitors were all but dead on their feet and couldn’t find an equaliser as Arsenal saw the game out to progress.