Arsenal gained passage into the next round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, having to fend off a late surge from championship side, Blackpool to win 2-1.
The Gunners who saw their 11 games winning streak at the weekend in the hands of Crystal Palace ended, returned to winning ways in a tightly contested encounter although they were the better side.
Unai Emery welcomed back Veteran goalkeeper, Petr Cech and Ainsley Maitland-Niles back into the team while also giving reserves player, Julio Plezueguelo his senior bow.
Arsenal were lacking sharpness in the final third and found it difficult to break down the resolute Blackpool side who were comfortable sitting back and hitting on the counter.
It took an unlikely source in the 33rd minute to finally hit the back of the net for the hosts.
19-year old midfielder, Matteo Guendozi clipped a fine long ball into the penalty box which was met with a sliding effort from summer signing, Stephan Lichsteiner to score his first goal in Arsenal colours.
Emile Smith-Rowe made it two in the 50th minute before Guendozi was shown his matching orders 6 minute later for a soft foul. Many believed the referee was too harsh for the second yellow card offence which should have gone without a booking.
It did not take long before Paudie O'Connor reduced the deficit in the 66th minute but was himself shown a red card with just four minutes of regulation play to go for a reckless tackle on Aubameyang.
The win means Arsenal maintained their 13-match unbeaten run but face a herculean task on Saturday when they welcome Liverpool in the league.
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