Arsenal set up a mouth-watering League Cup quarter-final clash against rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday by narrowly edging out League One outfit Blackpool 2-1 at Ashburton Grove.

Both sides finished the game with 10 men but it was the visitors, who sit 52 league places below the Gunners, who appeared to show more purpose when in possession.

Gunners boss Unai Emery made nine changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace at the weekend and disagreed with the assessment of his counterpart Terry McPhillips that the hosts had ultimately had “a bit of an off night.”

“I think we controlled the match and, when we are at 2-0, the match is for us in a good moment”, said the Spaniard. “The red card to Matteo [Guendouzi] tipped the balance more for them.”

Indeed, without Guendouzi, Arsenal’s lacked one of their most potent midfield forces and it was the 19-year-old that created his side’s opening goal after spotting the timely run of Stephan Lichtsteiner in behind and sending the ball perfectly into the path of the right back to tuck home.

It was the Swiss international’s first Arsenal goal since being signed on a free from Juventus in the summer.

Carl Jenkinson, making his first appearance for two years after spending last season out on loan, took up the left back mantle where his side are currently plagued by injury and largely did a sterling job. 

After breaking down the flank, his shot could only be parried by Seasiders’ stopper Mark Howard straight for Emile Smith-Rowe to score his second ever senior goal.

Even at 2-0 Blackpool never looked out of the game so, with Guendouzi dismissed for a second bookable offence, the League One side took advantage, loading the box at a corner and Paudie O’Connor was in the middle to nod the ball home past Petr Cech.

With 25 minutes left to play, the atmosphere intensified as Blackpool sniffed out an equaliser assisted by the extra man.

But as the search went on and Arsenal became jittery and nervous in possession, the teams were again evened up, much to the relief of the home crowd. 

Goalscorer O’Connor was shown a straight red card by referee David Coote for a strong sliding challenge on substitute Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.

Emery’s men ultimately rallied to ensure progression to the next round and, importantly, should have many of their key players fit for tomorrow’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool, which is vital to his side’s hopes of continuing their fight for the top four.

It has however been confirmed that, due to his sending off, Guendouzi will be banned for the weekend’s game as per league rules.

Arsenal’s quarter-final tie with Spurs is scheduled for the week commencing December 17.