Arsenal player ratings: Starlet Willock impresses, veteran Lichtsteiner struggles, and teenager Nketiah could have had a hat-trick

Alex Iwobi added a third as Arsenal eased past League One Blackpool at Bloomfield Road as they go for their 14th trophy in this tournament.

Here, SunSport rates and slates Unai Emery's men after a comfortable away win before Saturday's trip to West Ham:

Petr Cech

A solid start from the 36-year-old keeper but had a couple of clangers in the second-half that went unpunished. Was rarely helped by his shaky defence and regularly came to collect long balls into the box.

Carl Jenkinson

A late call-up for the injured Laurent Koscielny, Jenkinson galloped down the right-hand side to good effect. Played a role in the second goal with a smart run and drilled cross that Willock eventually tapped in.

Stephan Lichtsteiner

Despite being a veteran, the Swiss defender is in desperate need of coaching. Far too passive in the face of inferior opposition and doesn't breed confidence when Arsenal come under pressure.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Best of a mediocre bunch but never looked confident and assured at the heart of the Arsenal defence.

Struggled to deal with the aerial threat Blackpool posed and relied on Cech to come and collect.

Sead Kolasinac

Did his best work roaming forward and joining in with the attack. Much like the rest of the defence, lacks confidence and looks too slow to deal with Premier League attackers.

Mohamed Elneny

Couldn't provide the same level of security given by Lucas Torreira but continued to return to match fitness. Brought the ball out of the back and is a decent back-up option for Emery.

Aaron Ramsey

Hit the crossbar in the lead up to Arsenal's opener and teed up Alex Iwobi for Arsneal's second. Ramsey looks set to be on his way out of the club and there's no surprise he's linked to Europe's giants.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Continued his ascent as one of the Premier League's most exciting young prospects as the most dangerous Arsenal player. Linked up the play and showed a deft touch that is impressing Emery and everyone else.

Joe Willock

Showed quick reactions with both his goals, heading in after a free-kick rebounded back and then tapping in at the back post. Hat-trick was denied due to an offside but he was comfortable in the first-team and continually danced through Blackpool's defence.

Alex Iwobi

Played a crucial role in the second goal and grabbed the third as the youngster continues to mature. Iwobi was the illusive figure Blackpool struggled to get near as he drove at their defence.

Eddie Nketiah

Missed two golden opportunities to put the Gunners ahead early on, but the 19-year-old impressed again. Troubled the Blackpool defence with his electric pace but could have had a hat-trick.

Substitutes:

Alexandre Lacazette (for Nketiah 64')

Brought a touch more confidence than the youngster and will be fresh for the trip to West Ham on Saturday.

Zech Medley (for Kolasinac 83')

Little to do but made his third appearance for the club and is expected to have a bright future.

Bukayo Saka (for Iwobi 86')

Barely got a touch of the ball but will have benefited from the experience.

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