Arsenal 2-0 Reading FC (EFL Cup): Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi – 7

Made some world class saves, with one notable one being to keep out a header from Olivier Giroud. Was unlucky with the deflection for Arsenal's second goal. However, he did keep the scoreline respectable.

Tennai Watson – 6

Had a pretty good game, looking confident when he was on the ball and unlike some of the other Reading players looked calm under pressure. Looked to be tiring towards the end so I believe it was a good decision from Stam to bring him off.

Liam Moore – 7

Another performance we've come to expect from the centre back. Brilliant header off the line after Al-Habsi's first great save in the second half. His tweet after the game summed the game up perfectly; we did create our own problems throughout.

Tyler Blackett – 6

Forced a save from the Arsenal keeper late in the first half, then made a great block early in the second to deny Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Jordan Obita – 6

Got forward and had a shot saved in the second half, but looked tired and out of ideas by the end of the match. Slightly unlucky with the deflection for Arsenal's second goal.

Joey Van Den Berg – 5

Huge mistake to be caught in position for Arsenal's first goal. Not his best evening.

George Evans – 5

Another one who gave a slightly disappointing performance. Thought Evans looked shaky in possession and lack passing accuracy at times.

Liam Kelly – 6

Responded well to the disappointing early substitution at Rotherham. Pinged some impressive balls cross-field and made good, well timed tackles when needed. A good game from a player who is still very much learning.

Garath McCleary – 5

Tried to create a few chances, but on the whole the winger was kept very, very quiet.

Callum Harriott – 5

Had an effort deflected just over late in the second half, but apart from that it was a pretty forgettable evening for him.

Dominic Samuel – 6

A good performance from the academy graduate, with a few impressive individual displays. Although he still has lots to learn, it wouldn't surprise me if we saw him in Championship games at some point this season.

Substitutes

Yann Kermorgant – 6

Made a difference as soon as he came on, winning everything he went for in the air and created a couple of chances. I like the guy, and still think he's an important part of our squad.

Danzell Gravenberch – 5

Didn't have much to do when he came on, but he took out an Arsenal player with his first touch and that's about it.

Stephen Quinn – N/A