Arsenal needed a penalty shoot-out to get past West Bromwich Albion in their Capital One Cup third round tie at The Hawthorns yesterday evening.
20 year old German midfielder Thomas Eisfeld put the Gunners in front just over an hour into his first start for the club, but England U21 sensation Saido Berahino drew the hosts level ten minutes later.
The score remained at 1-1 until the end of extra time, leading to penalties where back to back misses by the Baggies gave Nacho Monreal the opportunity to put Arsenal into the next stage of the competition.
The Spain full-back duly dispatched to set up a fourth round tie with Chelsea, in the pick of the matches that will take place on the 29th or 30th October.
After last night’s match, Arsene Wenger was full of praise for striker Nicklas Bendtner, who was making his first appearance for the club in over two years.
The Denmark international could now feature in Saturday evening’s match against Swansea City, where the club will aim to strengthen their grip on top spot in the Premier League.
Elsewhere, the Gunners are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Juan Mata from Chelsea, according to the Daily Star.