Today the boys travel up North to the Tyne to play Newcastle in the next round of the Carling Cup. Wenger has stated in his press conference that he is producing a strong squad for the match with some starters from Sunday's beautiful win against Manchester City - yes, I'm still basking in the glow of that game. We all know that in the past, the CC has been a tournament used by Wenger to showcase and give a run out to the Young Guns at Arsenal. Wilshere, Vela, Ramsey, Landsbury, Randall, and others first came on our radar through this tournament. But after five plus years without any type of trophy, Wenger has admitted that the club is chasing all trophies to keep consistency and hunger alive in the squad. John Cross of the Mirror wrote a column on the subject. In it he quotes Wenger:
"I said to the players we will go for everything we can, as simple as that," said Wenger. "And not really specifying one more than the other one that's why I believe we are on a good run and we want to keep that going.
"It's important to keep it moving no matter what competition it is. That's what we want to do.
"We are doing well in the Champions League and we have done well so far in the Carling Cup and we are back on track in the championship so it's just all movement.
"I believe we have a good squad enough to go forward with trophies, that's why I think: 'OK let's go as far as we can.' If needed we can still always choose later but at the moment it is important for everybody to think we go for everything we can."
I know there will be folks who are disappointed that a batch of reserve players are not going to get a run out today, but I'm thinking that our squad is so deep now, that in order to keep rust off of some players and give other first team members a chance to shine, this is the Cup to do it. We used to use the Carling Cup to rest our first team players and substitutes as well as give the Young 'Uns a run. Things are different this year though. We have important players returning from injury who need match time (Walcott, Bendtner,Koz). We have utility and back-up players that need to keep sharp (Eboue, Denilson, Rosicky, Gibbs), and you have those players that are teetering between first team football and going out on loan (Vela, JET, Randall, Nordveit). They all need to play. So while Wenger has his reasons for wanting to put out a stronger squad, I think we don't have a choice because we're deep...which makes us strong anyway. How's that for a change? We. Are. A. Strong. Squad.
The only player that will be new for us to see playing is Chezzers. He's basking in the glory of it and was all smiles for his interview on ATVO. There is much anticipation around him and Wenger has warned everyone to be patient and prudent with this young talent.
"He can show he is a good keeper and I believe he is one but there again let’s not make stars before they have proven they are," said Wenger. "He has the talent, he has a good attitude and let’s see his performance in the games.
"You want of course a good performance but let’s not put him under too much pressure. Let’s let him enjoy the game and not speak about contracts.
We all know he was some sort of cult hero down at Brentford so hopefully, Newcastle will get at least one shot off so we can see what he can do. I also would like to see how he commands his area on free kicks and corners. It should be fun. I think the following players will be named to the starting squad:
Chezney
Eboue, Koscielny, DJ,Gibbs
Denilson/Eastmond
Theo,Rosicky Lansbury, Vela/JET
Bendtner
The bench: Fabianski, Vela/JET, Nordveit, Clichy, Diaby, Squillaci
I think that's everybody. Actually, I think I have too many players listed. And, I'm sure I'll remember someone else I forgot as soon as I hit "Publish". Isn't that always how it goes?
Well, that's it for today. It's a short post I know, but work duties call. Here's to keeping our winning ways going so we can go into the match against West Ham in the back of another great performance. See ya Gooners.
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