Preview Carling Cup: Arsenal V Tottenham Hotspur

By Richard Clarke

Arsene Wenger has urged his young side to be quick off the blocks in tonight’s Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg at Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal scholars had a bad case of exam nerves in the opening 20 minutes of the first leg at Tottenham last week. They conceded two early goals and, at one point, you feared they might be handed the sternest of lessons. However, by half time, Arsenal had steadied themselves and were beginning to ask questions of the home defence. Two goals from Julio Baptista drew them level and they might have even won the tie at the death.

It was the 11th time that Wenger’s side had trailed this season before coming back to get a result. No 12 came a few days later against Bolton in the FA Cup. No Arsenal fan would complain about a 13th successful comeback this evening — remember their team only need to avoid a defeat or a high-scoring draw to go through — however it is hardly a strategy for long-term success.

“At the Emirates we have sometimes made a hesitant start,” Wenger told Arsenal.com.

“Once we get into the game we can roll over any team and that is what we have to learn to do now.

“In the Premiership we are the team who concedes less in the second half and scores more. The numbers tell you that. But we must start better, stronger and be more focused.

“This tie is basically a match of 180 minutes and we are only at half time. You know you want to win the second 90 minutes no matter what happened in the first. The best way to be surprised tonight is not to deal with the problem mentally.

“Of course Tottenham are in the same situation. They know they cannot protect an advantage so it is not so much a first or second game this evening, it is just a game everybody will want to win.”

Wenger has vowed to replicate his selection formula at White Hart Lane. The starting XI will be the usual mix of young players, first-team squad players along with a couple of regulars. However the bench will be smothered with experienced players. They are the manager’s insurance policy.

The major omission from the first leg is Julio Baptista, who injured his groin against Bolton on Sunday. However Gilberto is back after a ban and will come straight in to the side. Otherwise, broadly speaking, it is ‘as you were’ from the first leg. Alex Hleb and Emmanuel Eboue came off the bench to have a huge influence on the Arsenal fightback a week ago. Unfortunately they picked up injuries in the process. As a result Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Adebayor have been drafted into the squad this evening. In addition Gael Clichy replaces Mark Randall.

Wenger made no apologies for sticking with his ‘Young Guns’.

“It is part of the learning process,” he said. “You know once you are a player at Arsenal Football Club only the best will be expected of you. That is why it is very interesting to continue to play and deal with the pressure.

“At White Hart Lane we had to deal with being 2-0 down. But the team stuck to their game and did it well. They will have to do it again this evening.”

* If the scores are level tonight after 90 minutes, two periods of 15 minutes extra time will be played. If the scores are still level after this extra half-hour, whoever has scored the most goals away from home will progress. If the teams still can’t be separated, there will be a penalty shoot-out to determine the winner.

Final Score : Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham

(Arsenal win 5-3 on aggregate)

By Richard Clarke

Cardiff here we come.

Arsenal reached their first League Cup Final in 14 years with a fraught, frantic 3-1 win over Tottenham at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Arsene Wenger’s side had drawn 2-2 in the first leg at White Hart Lane last week and appeared to be through when Emmanuel Adebayor planted his shot past Paul Robinson in the 77th minute. However substitute Mido equalised with a close-range header five minutes from the end of normal time.

Arsenal wobbled in the dying seconds but, as they have proved so often in this run, Wenger’s Young Guns have composure beyond their years. Jeremie Aliadiere, a veteran at 23, hooked home a second with the final kick of the first half of extra time. Seven minutes into the second period, Rosicky’s shot bounced off the post — and then Pascal Chimbonda — before going in.

The sight of the assistant referee indicating to Alan Wiley that the ball had crossed the line was a blessed relief. It had been a night of unremitting tension.

However it ended wonderfully for Arsenal, who now meet Chelsea in the Final on February 25, and sealed perhaps the first truly historic win at Emirates Stadium.

As expected, Wenger stuck with the policy he had employed in the first leg - youngsters, squad players and first-teamers in equal measure. Julio Baptista, scorer of both Arsenal goals at White Hart Lane, was out with a groin injury so Adebayor came in up front. Gilberto returned after suspension therefore Cesc Fabregas was left on the bench. Otherwise the starting XI was exactly the same as the first leg.

For Tottenham, Aaron Lennon was surprisingly listed on the bench. It turned out the England winger had been taken ill just before the game.

Arsenal’s youngsters had the weight of pressure on their shoulders for the first time in the competition. A greater than usual away allocation — the norm for Cup games — only added to a crackling atmosphere.

As at White Hart Lane, Tottenham held the initiative early on. Their first clear chance came in the 10th minute. Robbie Keane timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and race through. But by the time he had collected the ball on the corner of the area, Almunia was upon him. The keeper not only smothered the Irishman’s shot but also, chased him, tackled him and slid the ball out for a throw.

It acted as a wake up call for Arsenal. In the 14th minute Denilson’s shot was fumbled by Paul Robinson and Kolo Toure was first to the follow-up. His connection was poor but the ball did bounce over the prostrate keeper only to trickle agonisingly wide.

Midway through the half Adebayor sent Walcott down the right and his cross was hooked past the far post by Aliadiere. The Togolese frontman then slashed a shot over the bar. Arsenal were starting to flex their muscles.

And there was no one more muscular than Abou Diaby. The 20-year-old’s start in the first leg was his first in almost nine months. However his surging run and shot in the 36th minute suggested that nasty ankle injury was a thing of the past.

A couple of minutes later, Hossam Ghaly skipped past Traore on the right and Steed Malbranque send a stooping header just past the far post. A bad miss.

Arsenal regained their composure and, with it, a measure of control before the break. In injury time, Adebayor had space to turn in the area but his hurried shot flew high over the bar.

The second half began at breakneck pace. Tottenham now had added urgency, Arsenal had a little extra space. Seven minutes in, Denilson sent Walcott clear on the right and he drifted a shot over the bar.

The speed of the game combined with its importance was always going to lead to bookings. Yellows for Diaby and Ghaly early in the second half only added to the atmosphere.

The play was stretching now. There was little midfield control and the game flowed from penalty box to penalty box.

Just before the hour, Adebayor nodded over. Five minutes later, Walcott was replaced by Rosicky. Before play had restarted, Armand Traore went down with what appeared to be cramp. Fortunately Clichy was the perfect replacement.

Denilson had been growing in stature since the first whistle of the first leg. The Brazilian was efficiency personified this evening and even showed a little Samba shuffle as he ghosted past two defenders before hitting the sidenetting 22 minutes from time.

As at White Hart Lane, Arsenal’s substitutes had made a difference. The home side were exerting greater control though it did little to dissipate the tension in the air.

But the opening goal did.

In the 77th minute, Rosicky swapped passes with Aliadiere and fired in a shot. Robinson batted the ball away but could not clear his lines. The Czech midfielder eventually collected and slipped a clever ball to Adebayor, who slotted it past the Tottenham keeper.

Arsenal appeared to have one foot in the Final. However, five minutes from time, Spurs won a free-kick on the right of the area. Jermaine Jenas whipped the ball in and Mido rose among a ruck of players to nod the ball home.

Game on once more.

Suddenly Arsenal were rattled. Spurs began piling forward and, just after the fourth official had indicated five minutes of injury time, Mido shuffled himself into space on the edge of the area and curled an effort inches wide.

However Arsenal would still have two chances to win in normal time. Robinson tipped over Denilson’s piledriver and parried from Toure’s drive.

The Brazilian produced another hand-stinger just after the start of extra time. Understandably, the pace of the game had now dropped — but not the tension.

To be honest there was little to report in the first half. That was until Arsenal scored with the final kick. Denilson’s crossed was nodded into the path of Aliadiere by the stumbling Ricardo Rocha. The Frenchman whipped his shot past Robinson and into the net.

Cue pandemonium.

The emotion was more like relief in the 112th minute when Toure’s long ball was nodded down by Adebayor for Rosicky in the area. The Czech midfielder waltzed around Rocha before shooting goalwards. The ball smacked off the post and then Chimbonda before going in. The former Wigan defender hooked it out but the goal was given.

Alaidiere might have hit a fourth and Defoe worried Almunia at the other end.

However the night belonged to Arsenal.

YouTude Video

Arsène Wenger: 'I'm happy that Kolo scored the goal'

The Wenger's Interview after 4th round Fa Cup
on a game of two halves...
"We didn't have the right sharpness and focus to play at our pace, and we played at their pace and it suited them. From then on I felt because our focus was not maybe sharp enough, our passing was sloppy, we were flat. In the second half, it was a a little bit a repetition of the Man United game. We come out, with good resolutions, and before we can put them into practice we are one-nil down. From then on it was all us, but like when we chase the game like we did it today you are at the mercy of a mistake at the back. They had a chance to score a score another goal when Almunia came out [and saved], but it was all us in the second half and it was a repetition of the Man United second half."

on Arsenal's injury list...
"I will see when we play and with whom we play because at the moment for us it is important not to lose too many players, because first of all you want your good players to be with you and we have important games coming up, and we might have lost again Julio Baptista today. So if we continue to lose players I will have to choose what we go for. We check now, a groin problem, but we hope it's not too bad and he can play on Wednesday."

on a replay at the Reebok...
"I'm not concerned about that. I just said in the FA Cup sometimes, it's better when you play away from home than when you play at home."

on Arsenal's equaliser...
"We have improved a little bit on set-pieces, on heading, and I'm happy that Kolo scored the goal because he was a lion again today. It's a good inspiration for the other players to see how he fights and that he gets the goal - I'm very happy for him."

on Bolton...
"They give you a problem because they put the ball when you don't want it to be, and every time you bring it down they close you down. They have good players, they have Anelka, they have Nolan, they have Campo - they have good players."

on buying to ease their injury problems...
"That's a good question but I cannot give you an answer - I don't think so. We lost now Van Persie - you will see what Baptista has, you know?"

Toure's Goal Video clip

Valentine Day Match : Replay FA Cup

Toure's Goal has been call Gunners back to get replay match on Valentine Day

FA Cup match Report Arsenal : Bolton
By Richard Clarke

It’s official. Arsenal are this season’s ‘comeback kings’.

Last Sunday, Arsène Wenger’s side scored twice late on to beat Manchester United and, on Wednesday, a second-half brace brought their youngsters a wonderful draw at Tottenham. This afternoon they completed the hat-trick in this FA Cup Fourth Round tie.

It seemed the Bolton bogey was going to strike when Kevin Nolan put the visitors in front five minutes into the second half. However 13 minutes from time, Kolo Toure nodded home a free-kick from Cesc Fabregas.

It was the 12th time this season that Arsenal had trailed before coming back to get a result. And, of course, the Ivorian’s goal also protected the team’s unbeaten record at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal will have their work cut-out at the Reebok in the replay. They have registered only one win up there in the last seven visits.

But that came in 2005, the last year Arsenal lifted the trophy. Omens have been made of much less.

In the build-up to this game, Wenger had stated his FA Cup side would be the same as his Premiership side. It suggested the Frenchman another run in this famous old competition. Remember Bolton had ended Arsenal’s stunning sequence in recent years with a 1-0 win at the Reebok Stadium in this round last season.

Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) and Alex Hleb (hamstring) picked up injuries in the midweek fightback at Tottenham while Gilberto sat out the last of his three-game suspension. It meant Justin Hoyte and Theo Walcott retained their starting places from White Hart Lane while Mathieu Flamini stepped in having been a substitute at Spurs.

This was Emirates Stadium’s first FA Cup tie and, as ever, the competition injected an edge into the afternoon’s proceedings. Bolton’s billing as Arsenal’s nemesis did the rest.

The visitors did little to undermine that reputation in the opening half hour.

In the third minute, Stelios floated a corner to the edge of the six-yard box and Kevin Davies, worrying unmarked, guided a header down. Manuel Almunia clutched the ball on the line and the subsequent seconds of hush around Emirates Stadium suggested the crowd knew it was a wonderful opportunity.

On the quarter hour, Stelios again found Davies from a corner and his flick on fell to Ivan Campo at the far post. He hacked over from five yards when he should have at least hit the target.

Inbetween those chances, Henry and Flamini had prodded half-chances at Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskenlainen. However the first real opening for the home side came in the 20th minute when Walcott roared down the right and fired low at the Finn, who gathered at the second attempt. Arsenal had been distinctly second best for the first quarter of the game.

Hoyte’s tempting cross towards Henry at the far post and Flamini’s hoisted shot soon afterwards suggested they were starting to stir. However it did not really materialise.

Four minutes before the break, Arsenal did nearly grab an opportunistic goal. Henry nipped in to collect Ricardo Gardner’s return header to his keeper. The Arsenal captain’s back-heel beat Jasskenlainen at the near post but Abdoulaye Meite slid in to stop the ball trickling over the line.

Adebayor had claims for a penalty almost immediately but referee Mike Dean rightly waved play on. Arsenal continued to press until half time but the best they could muster was a couple of inquisitive corners.

However if Arsenal ended the first half in some sort of ascendancy they would have their wings clipped after the interval.

Within five minutes, they were behind. Nolan flicked to ball to Anelka on the edge of the area and he spread it wide to Davies. The striker fired a cross-cum-shot to the far post. The unmarked Nolan collected, turned and fired a shot between the backtracking Toure and the upright.

Suddenly, we had a game. Almunia made a superb one-handed side to prevent Nolan skipping through then at the other end an unmarked Walcott volleyed wide when he might have scored.

Arsenal were still struggling with Bolton’s traditional weapon — the high, hanging ball into the area. The perfect illustration came in the 54th minute when Davies flicked on for Nolan to hook the ball over the bar.

However, in general, the home side responded well. Henry’s free-kick deflected over the bar then he just failed to lift the ball over Jaaskelainen after good work from Adebayor down the right.

In the 63rd minute, the Bolton keeper failed to hold a long-range drive from Fabregas and the Togolese striker flailed the rebound wide.

With games stacking up, Wenger knew he could ill- afford a replay. That is why he had packed his bench with attacking options. Julio Baptista came on for Hoyte, a defender, after 70 minutes. Jeremie Aliadiere would follow him off the bench in the latter stages.

By that time, Arsenal were chasing a winner. They got on level terms in the 77th minute when Fabregas put a free-kick into the heart of the Bolton area. The ball skimmed off the head of Gary Speed and Toure ghosted in at the far post to plant home a diving header.

Baptista’s late far-post header was as close as they came to a winner.

Preview FA Cup:Arsenal-Bolton Wanderers

By Richard Clarke

It is hard to remember three such strenuous tests of Arsenal’s character in the space of just eight days.

Having produced two-goal comebacks against their traditional title rivals, Manchester United, and their traditional local rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsène Wenger will be hoping there will be no such heroics necessary for the visit of their traditional bogey team on Sunday.

Arsenal have won just two of their last 10 games against Bolton Wanderers. They lost the Premiership match at the Reebok Stadium on November 25 and were knocked out of the FA Cup in a Fourth Round tie at the same venue last season.

On Sunday it will be exactly a year since that defeat. And Wenger wants this Fourth Round clash to show the extent to which his young side have grown up — mentally and physically.

“Bolton are always a good character test,” he smiled at Friday’s pre-match press conference. “But they are a good side aswell. People sometimes forget that.

“OK they might have minimal resources but they have Nicolas Anelka and El-Hadji Diouf. They are not minimal resources players for me. This team can play.

“You can not say that Gary Speed is not a football player. Nor Ivan Campo or Kevin Nolan. They are good football players. Chelsea wanted Tal Ben Haim. It is not just because he can kick the ball, it is because he is a good defender. That is why they are a team who get results.”

Wenger has six players injured: William Gallas (thigh), Alex Hleb (hamstring), Robin Van Persie (foot), Emmanuel Eboue (ankle), Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring) and Johan Djourou (hamstring). In addition, Gilberto will be seeing out the final game of his suspension.

The Arsenal manager has already stated that his FA Cup side this year would be similar to his Premiership side. That means few of the ‘Carling Cup kids’ will be used. Ironically the only one of the squad players employed at Tottenham certain to retain his place is Manuel Almunia. The 29-year-old was the oldest Arsenal player on show at White Hart Lane. However Thierry Henry is likely to be involved.

“Well I have 14 players available in the next two games so the choice is quite reduced,” said Wenger. “But the advantage is I have no decision to make. I think Thierry will play but Jens is out just to rest him.”

If anyone is likely to bring Arsenal down with a bump it is Bolton. Understandably they have revelled in the success their grit and guts has achieved over Wenger’s guile and style. However the manager believes his side now possesses much greater substance these days.

“I have felt we have not had the best of games when we go up there to Bolton,” remarked the manager. “Saying that we were a bit unlucky this year, Anelka scored two sensational goals and we had the best part of the game.

“Maybe one or two years ago we were not ready to face this type of opponent. But we are now. I feel the team has improved a lot on that side recently.”

Sitting the Bolton examination on Sunday will tell us just how much..

Arsenal.com

Wenger - I like Bale, but I won't bid for him

By Chris Harris

Arsène Wenger is a fan of Gareth Bale but he does not want to sign the Southampton left back.

Bale has been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium, a year after Theo Walcott made the same journey from the south coast. Wenger has kept his eye on the Wales international but believes that Arsenal are well-stocked in that department with Gael Clichy and Armand Traore both making steady progress.

"I think Bale is a potentially great player but I am not in the race because I have two left backs," said the Arsenal manager. "But the club who gets him will have a good deal - an expensive one but a good player.

"I have looked at Bale a lot. We have been looking at him because if he comes up for a normal price it's OK but we have already spent a lot for Theo Walcott. [If we bought Bale too] we would be the biggest sponsors of Southampton."

Arsenal.com

Wenger - Walcott will overcome 'growing pains'

By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger has backed Theo Walcott to come through his recent dip in form and emerge a better player.

Arsenal’s 17-year-old winger made some sparkling cameo appearances at the start of the season but had a quiet game at Tottenham on Wednesday in a rare start.

His manager puts this down to ‘growing pains’ as a footballer. The cure would be provided simply by a good game or a goal.

“I think he has developed very well in the year he has been with us but recently he had a little dip in form,” said Wenger.

“He is certainly a miles better player than six months ago. But I feel at the moment he needs a goal or a shot of confidence. He looks a bit short of it right now.

“I think it is necessary to go through that period when you are 17-years old. At the start it is all worryless, fresh and new. After that the responsibility hits you and you go through a little patch like that. But he is a level-headed boy and analyses things well though sometimes that is a disadvantage.

”I still think going to the World Cup speeded up his maturity and he will be ready earlier than everybody else. But you go through periods in your career. And when you grow at 17 sometimes physically you have a period where you feel a little bit less good. I think he is going through that period right now.”

Arsenal.com

Result : Bubtista Hatrick Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

Julio Baptista blasted 3 goals by 1 og goals then get Arsenal flight back for 2 more goals to Help the Gunners Back to Final of Carling Cup Road

Macth Report from Asenal.com

By Richard Clarke

Julio Baptista blasted two more Carling Cup goals as Arsenal produced an incredible comeback against Tottenham in the Semi-Final first leg at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night.

Arsène Wenger’s Young Guns have already won well at Everton and Liverpool in this competiton this season but were caught in a Spurs maelstrom in the opening 20 minutes tonight. Dimitar Berbatov’s header and an own goal by Julio Baptista left the visitors reeling.

However, as the senior side demonstrated on Sunday, Arsenal do not know when they are beaten. Baptista, scorer at four goals at Anfield in the last round, bulldozered through to score in the 63rd minute and then tapped home after great work from Justin Hoyte 13 minutes from time.

Given the nature of the two sides, the occasion and the opponents, it was an utterly astonishing reverse.

Having almost been knocked out in the opening rounds, Arsenal are now well ahead on points at the halfway stage of this particular fight.

If they box clever in the second leg at Emirates Stadium next week, they will secure a place in the Final against Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium on February 25

Wenger remained true to his Carling Cup principles and put out a side heavy with youth. Armand Traore, 17, Theo Walcott, 17 and Denilson, 18, all made the first XI while Mark Randall, 17, was on the bench. Abou Diaby, still only 20, started his first game since suffering a broken and dislocated ankle at Sunderland on May Day last year.

However the presence of Emmanuel Eboue, Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini on the bench suggested that Wenger was well aware a Cup Final appearance was at stake.

For their part, Tottenham were at full strength — and the first half would certainly reflect that.

Aaron Lennon and Berbatov dominated the opening stages. In the third minute the England winger skipped past Traore and Diaby only for Hoyte to hack his cross away. Almost immediately, Berbatov drove the ball into the sidenetting.

Aliadiere burst through for Arsenal allowing Fabregas and Denilson to unleash shots at goal. Both were charged down.

However by this time Tottenham had taken charge. It was no surprise to see them snatch the lead in the 12th minute. The simple nature of the goal was much more of a concern.

Defoe floated a cross from the right to the far post. It flew over Kolo Toure and an unmarked Berbatov had the simplest of headers past Manuel Alumina.

The Spanish keeper then blocked from Defoe as Spurs pushed for a second. They would only have to wait until the 19th minute.

This time the ball came from the left. Tom Huddlestone fired at free-kick low to the near post, Michael Dawson jumped over the ball and a surprised Baptista deflected the ball past Almunia. Again it was a highly preventable goal and Arsenal’s youngsters were in danger of leaving themselves far too much to do.

However their response was rousing. And the sight of Berbatov hobbling shortly afterwards certainly helped their cause.

They began to push Tottenham back for the first sustained period in the game. However it only produced one real chance. In the 27th minute Hoyte combined well with Walcott and then Aliadiere to give himself a clear sight of goal. Dawson raced across to charge down his drive. It was a vital intervention.

Lennon was still lethal however. On the half hour Toure was booked for illegally ending his rampaging run through the middle. Steed Malbranque cracked a shot over the bar and then an unmarked Dawson missed a header from close range.

However Arsenal might have hauled themselves back into contention with the last kick of the half. But an unmarked Baptista miscued five yards out when trying to turn in a corner by Fabregas.

The visitors were invigorated at the start of the second period. They pinned Tottenham back in their half but crucially could not force Paul Robinson into action.

Wenger made changes. He brought on Eboue and Hleb for Diaby and Aliadiere in search of a goal. Walcott was switched up front. It made an immediate difference. Dawson had to nod off his own line after Senderos had beaten Robinson in the air to a free-kick from Fabregas. Baptista had a shot blocked and then a dangerous drive by Fabregas was cleared.

Arsenal snatched their lifeline in the 64th minute. Eboue cut in from the right and crossed low into the heart of the area. The ball ran loose in the area as the challenges flew in and Baptista picked himself off the floor to power past Dawson then poke the ball home.

Suddenly Arsenal were in the ascendancy. Hleb and Fabregas both had efforts blocked and Tottenham’s forays forward were becoming rare. The most dangerous they got was when Hoyte hacked clear from Defoe’s low cross.

However the Arsenal right back would make a crucial intervention at the other end in the 77th minute. Fabregas sent Hoyte clear on the right hand side. He burst to the byline and measured a cross to the far post. Baptista arrived on time to bundle the ball home.

Tottenham were not spent. Almost immediately Defoe forced a decent save from Almunia.

However, after Flamini had replaced the limping Hleb, Arsenal might well have nicked a win at the death when Walcott volleyed wide from a deep hanging cross by Fabregas

That would have been the perfect finish to the fightback.

Arsenal.com

Wenger - I feared Diaby's career was over

By Richard Clarke

Abou Diaby returns to the Arsenal starting line-up this evening nine months after the challenge that Arsène Wenger feared may have ended his career.

The distress signals rang out on May Day last year as the French midfielder, then 19, was stretchered off in the final minutes at Sunderland. He had suffered a broken AND dislocated ankle. He would need complicated surgery, infinite patience plus a straight-forward rehabilitation. Wenger was fearful.

“I had a big doubt in my mind that he would come back,” he said. “They told me first that the broken ankle was very serious and they needed advice from the surgeon. He was only optimistic after the surgery. That is when he said Abou should recover normally. It was the first relief for me."

Did he have thoughts it might end his career?

“Yes,” replied Wenger. “And even after the surgery you never know how his rehabilitation will go and whether he will have any set-backs.

“He did have to have surgery on his knee so he needed to be really patient. But what is good at his age is he can recover fully and secondly when they have such a big blow they come back stronger mentally. They go through such a lot of suffering and that makes them stronger.”

Diaby’s contribution should not be underestimated. For all the talk of Theo Walcott, Wenger's other teenage signing in January would feature in 16 games. His first start was in last season’s Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg against Wigan at Highbury. He was substituted at half time that night after the first 45 minutes passed him by. But his latter performances brought comparisons with another lanky French midfielder bought over by Wenger very early in his career. Though the manager is wary of calling him the new Patrick Vieira.

“They are not similar sorts of players at all really,” said Wenger. “In the style of run and behaviour and especially in the strength of the challenges he reminds me of Patrick. But after that he is a different type of player. At the start of his career Patrick was more of a tackler and defensive player.

“But, having said that, it is strange because since Abou has come back from injury he is going into that kind of role. Before he was only interested in attacking, now he uses his strength in the challenges more.

“Abou is one of these players who needs a big boost of confidence. That’s a little bit of difference with Patrick, who had an assertive authority in his own game. Abou has not had as much experience and you could see when he played regularly last season he became stronger and stronger. He had a real authority of his own. Now he will need to go through that process again.”

Preview Carling Cup: Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

By Richard Clarke

So far Arsenal’s Carling Cup campaign has been all about education, education, education.

Arsène Wenger’s young side have been to West Brom, Everton and Liverpool, each time coming back with their reputation enhanced. Yet although those can be considered taxing tutorials they pale in comparison to the examination confronting the ‘Young Guns’ this evening.

White Hart Lane is the most unlikely finishing school for anyone sporting the red and white of Arsenal. It may be ‘only’ the Carling Cup — reportedly fourth out of four in Wenger’s list of priorities — however this Semi-Final first leg will be played with the passion and pace of any North London derby. Despite all that Wenger can see the benefits.

“Frankly I would have liked an easier run of games to the Semi-Final,” said the manager. “But there is nothing like a tough education in life.

“When you are a parent you want your children to have a little less of a tough education and something a bit more soft. But at the end of the day if they get through it then you know they are equipped for the demands of playing at a club like Arsenal.”

The youngsters are not only equipped, Wenger argues their quality is actually pushing the first team to greater heights.

“I made a decision at the start of the Carling Cup that, because we have such a young squad, I needed to know about them,” he said.

“I could not waste a year with players who did not get top-level competition. To give them an education I needed to choose one trophy and play them in there. I did that in the Carling Cup.

“At the moment this team pushes so hard that you can see it has an effect in the first team. They know the competition is just so hard.”

Wenger has bolstered his squad this evening with a number of first-teamers. Cesc Fabregas, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Alex Hleb and Justin Hoyte all have more than 10 Premiership starts this season. However Denilson, Mark Randall, Armand Traore and Theo Walcott certainly represent the future of the Club. Meanwhile Abou Diaby, only 20 himself, is likely to start after nine months out with a broken and dislocated ankle.

“This is not only a Semi-Final, it is London derby and against Tottenham,” said Wenger. “That shows you the task will be very big. I am confident that not only they can do it but they really want to do it.

“When you can win at Everton and Liverpool you can win anywhere in England or in Europe. I was not surprised by the quality of their play at Anfield but perhaps I was by the score. I did not expect six goals.

“Of course this will be a different game with a different problem and we have to find the solution. We certainly want to score away from home tonight. Basically we went out at the Semi Final stage last year because we did not get a goal in the first leg at their ground.

“Overall I feel our young players are making progress. In the last four years our strength has become deeper and our young players have become better.

“But, in our job, talent is one thing then you have to show it on the pitch with no inhibitions. If you want to be an Arsenal player you need to do that.”

Let the lesson begin.

Final Score : Gunner shot Red Devil back to the grave

By Super Goal of Thery Henry Header let Arsenal Shot Manu and still keep no lost stat in Emirates Stadium

This is match Report from Arsenal.com

Full time - Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United - Thierry Henry's injury-time header secures all three points for the Gunners. When Rooney put the visitors ahead early in the second half with a quality header of his own, Arsenal's unbeaten record at Emirates looked in doubt. But substitute Robin van Persie turned in with seven minutes to go before the rejuvenated Henry completed a memorable turn around at the death.

90 mins - GOAl! Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United - Thierry Henry! An unbelievable finish here at Emirates! Deep into injury time, Eboue centres and Henry climbs above Vidic to power a header over Van der Sar. It was a superb cross from the Ivorian and an even better header from the captain. A memorable winner.

88 mins - It's full steam ahead Arsenal! The ball just gets ahead of Henry as he tries to turn in the box but the clearance falls only as far as Rosicky. Unfortunately the midfielder swipes his shot wide.

83 mins - GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United - Get in! The ball is played in low from the right, Henry tries a flick but misses, allowing the ball to roll through to Van Persie who slides it in at the back post. A fine finish from the Dutchman. Game on...

77 mins - Van Persie pumps in a free-kick. Ferdinand clears. Then he whips in a corner. Ferdinand clears. The United defender has been fantastic this afternoon. Nonetheless Arsenal are giving it a go and not a second is being wasted as they continuly probe the visitors' backline.

73 mins - A goalmouth scramble presents two opportunities to Adebayor. Neither are easy though and Van der Sar makes it difficult before the bouncing ball is finally cleared away.

68 mins - Rosicky tries to cleverly bend the ball up and over Van der Sar. He caught the Dutch keeper flat footed but his effort drifted high and wide.

67 mins - Wenger makes his first substitution as Alexander Hleb makes way for Robin van Persie.

62 mins - Henry looks to get in on goal but Ferdinand does well to get his body between the Arsenal captain and the ball. The Frenchman feels he was impeded but it was solid defending from the United centre back.

55 mins - The ball falls for Rosicky on the edge of the box but his rasping drive skids marginally wide of the upright.

53 mins - GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United - Patrice Evra's cross from the left takes the slightest of touches off Adebayor into the path of Wayne Rooney. The England striker stoops to guide his header inside Lehmann's near post.

51 mins - Rosicky tries to thread in Adebayor but the United defence stand firm. Ferdinand and Vidic deserve credit for restricting the number of balls through to our strikers.

47 mins - A positive start to the second period from Arsenal. Their early pressure results in a chance for Fabregas but the Spaniard's shot from the edge of the box is comfortbably held by Van der Sar.

Half time - Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United - Still goalless here at Emirates. After a positive start from the visitors Arsenal began imposed themselves on the game and created a handful of half chances. United always looked threatening however and Jens Lehmann had to be alert to prevent efforts from Wayne Rooney and Henrik Larsson on the half time whistle. Both managers will probably want more from their sides after the break.

45 mins - Jens Lehmann makes two superb saves in quick succession to deny the visitors. First he tipped over a swirling long-range effort from Rooney before palming away Henrik Larsson's header from the resulting corner.

44 mins - Henry blasts a free-kick into the United wall but the rebound falls invitingly back to the Frenchman. His drive is low and hard but Van der Sar watches it into his arms.

40 mins - Ryan Giggs tries to lob Jens Lehmann from the right of the box but the German keeper's having none of it. Moments earlier the ambitious Mathieu Flamini had fired over at the other end.

36 mins - Thierry Henry goes down in the penalty area under a challenge from Gary Neville. Referee Steve Bennett waves play on but replays suggest Arsenal have been hard done by.

32 mins - Adebayor floats a fantastic cross towards Thierry Henry at the far post. The French striker gets his head on the ball but directs it straight into the arms of Van der Sar.

30 mins - Cesc Fabregas has a go from 25-yards. His vicious strike looks goalbound until it strikes Vidic and deflects out for corne, which United clear.

27 mins - Arsenal have definitely stepped it up after United threatened to take the game to them early on. Tomas Rosicky whips in a corner but the commanding Van der Sar punches clear.

22 mins - Adebayor's cross is flicked out of the penalty area and Tomas Rosicky races forward to meet the ball on the half volley. Unfortunately, the Czech midfielder's effort was always going over.

21 mins - The visitors win a corner but Philippe Senderos does enough to stop Nemanja Vidic getting his header on target.

18 mins - It's getting a bit scrappy. A string of free-kicks for both sides have disrupted the flow of play in the last few minutes.

12 mins - Thierry Henry darts in from the left before trying his luck from an impossible angle. Catching practice for Edwin Van der Sar.

8 mins - Arsenal have their first meaningful spell of possession but the United reaguard stands strong.

5 mins - Manchester United have had a good opening five minutes. Ryan Giggs digs out the first effort on goal but it sails harmlessly wide.

2 mins - We're underway here. There's been little to report on the pitch so far but the Emirates crowd are in fine voice.

Welcome to Emirates Stadium for this afternoon’s crunch Premiership encounter with Manchester United.

Arsène Wenger names Mathieu Flamini in place of the suspended Gilberto while Emmanuel Adebayor and Emmanuel Eboue come in for Robin van Persie and Justin Hoyte, who are both named on the bench.

Manchester United's most notable inclusion is that of Henrik Larsson alongside Wayne Rooney in attack.

Preview Arsenal - ManU

By Richard Clarke

"In our mind it's a game that we want absolutely to win, I tell you," said Arsène Wenger with a steely stare at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"We love to win, we want to reduce the gap to Manchester United as quickly as possible and we want to continue our run because we're in good form. We're still involved in nearly every competition, even the championship, and you never know what can happen."

If Premiership fixtures between Arsenal and Manchester United have lost some of their intensity in recent years then it appears that no one as told this particular Frenchman.

It is now two-and-a-half seasons since either of these two pillars of the Premiership have taken the title. In the intervening years Chelsea have dominated domestic honours and even Liverpool have scooped Europe’s top prize.

Despite his opening salvo, Wenger did admit this particular fixture is not quite the be-all and end-all it used to be.

"I feel the fact that Chelsea came in took a little bit of the focus off Arsenal and Manchester United," said Wenger. "Before the last two years a game between Manchester United and Arsenal was a game nobody could afford to lose.

"Now even if you lose one there is still Chelsea there and then Liverpool joined in so there is less focus only on Manchester United and Arsenal."

You only have to look back to the first game between these sides this season for an illustration. Arsenal went to Old Trafford in September without Thierry Henry, any decent form and, it would seem, much chance of victory.

They pulled off a wonderful 1-0 win but it was Manchester United who kicked-on after that. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side flourished despite losing a must-win game and Wenger's men have had to play catch-up.

Arsenal’s ankle injuries are likely to have healed by Sunday — Emmanuel Eboue is certainly back, Robin van Persie should follow suit after a test on Saturday. However Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring) and William Gallas (thigh) are still out while Gilberto is suspended.

Throughout his media work on Friday, Wenger skirted the issue of the title race. It was like he wanted to suggest a victory on Sunday could open a fissure in the rockface of United’s lead but, ever the economist, the Arsenal manager knew the figure of 15 points was set in stone.

Twice he was asked who would win the title, each time he replied: "I have an idea in my head but if I give you my idea you won’t believe me."

"I cannot say we will," he added later, "because we are 15 points behind Manchester United. But I think we have the ingredients and potential to become the best team.

"At the moment we are not because we cannot deny we lost at Sheffield United, Bolton, Manchester City. Even if they are games we could and should have won.

"But this is a good opportunity for us to close the gap a little bit. They've had the advantage of having stability and players in form at the right moment, but it's still not over. Don't forget they must go to Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Portsmouth. They have a difficult schedule."

On Sunday we’ll find out if those traditionally tough trips to Arsenal are still the most arduous for Manchester United.

Arsenal.com

Wenger says Beckham alone cannot lift soccer in U.S.

By ROBERT MILLWARD

Updated: 9:30 a.m. PT Jan 12, 2007
LONDON - David Beckham alone won't transform soccer in the United States. It will take an influx of other European stars to make a real impact.

That's the view of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, one of the most successful coaches in the English Premier League.

Beckham agreed to the biggest deal in soccer history Thursday and will join the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer after his current contract with Spanish club Real Madrid ends in June.

"Football will only take off (in America) if Beckham's not the only one," Wenger said Friday. "You need a few. Is that the opening road for more to come? If you want a real influx of big stars that's what will be needed if you want to create a big lift for American football. One player will not be enough."

The next could be Dutch star Edgar Davids, who has lost his place in the starting Tottenham lineup in England and is holding talks with FC Dallas.

Beckham's estimated $250 million five-year deal could prompt other 30-something European-based stars to consider moving to the MLS now that the salary cap rule has been relaxed.

According to Wenger, that's the only way the MLS can stand a chance of matching the big European soccer leagues and attract young Americans away from baseball, basketball and football.

The Arsenal manager, who has made his reputation nurturing young talent rather than making big money signings, said that Beckham had dropped down a level in soccer terms.

"On the other hand it can give a big boost to American football because they now have a basis," he said. "They had no elite and to have great players like David Beckham in the professional league can give a big boost."

Big-name players such as Ronaldo, Pavel Nedved and Alessandro del Piero might be tempted to go to the U.S. Although Zinedine Zidane has retired, a big-money deal in the United States could persuade him to make a comeback, especially after his finale at the World Cup ended with a headbutt and a red card.

Beckham's move to the Galaxy bucks a trend of top American players coming to Europe. The latest is Clint Dempsey, whose transfer from the New England Revolution makes him the 13th American in the top flight of English soccer.

"It looked until now like the players were coming from the States to Europe to play," Wenger said. "The major thing was that the top level football is played in Europe. The secondary thing was they could not pay the wages we can pay here in Europe. And suddenly, in this individual case, it looks like it's going the other way.

"It needs to be followed by other examples, incite other people in the United States to do the same with other teams. They have salary caps until now, but the salary cap exploded in this case."

Dallas coach Steve Morrow said his club has been in talks with Davids for two weeks.

"We were excited to hear about his availability, so we spoke to his agents and have been told he is available," said Morrow, a former Arsenal midfielder who played 39 times for Northern Ireland.

Davids, who wears protective glasses on the field because he has glaucoma, has won domestic and European club titles with Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus and Barcelona. He is nicknamed the "Pit Bull" because of his aggressive style.

If Davids moves to Dallas, he is unlikely to receive anything close to the huge deal negotiated by Beckham, who makes much of his money from commercial sponsorships and image rights.

Married to "Posh Spice" Victoria of the former Spice Girls, Beckham has become a brand name as well as a soccer star. With many lucrative endorsements, he has become one of the most marketable sportsmen in history.

MSNBC.COM

Wenger - We have the quality to cope without Gilberto

By Chris Harris

Gilberto will pay a heavy price for his red card at Blackburn but Arsène Wenger believes that his team can cope with the loss of their influential midfielder.

The Brazilian will miss the Premiership clash with Manchester United, the Carling Cup Semi Final first leg at Tottenham and the FA Cup tie against Bolton. However Wenger is confident that his squad will rise to the occasion once again.

"Gilberto will be missing but we feel that with the spirit and quality we have we can cope with that," he said. "We have had three different teams in our last three games but produced the same quality. We are very proud of that at the Club."

Wenger described Gilberto's dismissal at Ewood Park as "harsh" but praised Robbie Savage following reports that the Rovers midfielder, whose foul provoked the Brazilian's reaction, asked referee Rob Styles not to send the Arsenal midfielder off.

"It is very fair from him and if he has done that I thank him because from the outside the red card looked harsh," said Wenger. "You have to accept it because Gilberto retaliated and really he should not have retalitated at all.

"Savage could have stayed on his feet but I think he realised he made more of it than he should have. He said to the referee 'don't send him off' because I think he realised he should not have gone down.

"But if you ask the referee he will tell you he sent Gilberto off for retaliating and he will gain his case at the FA because [the rules say] it is a red-card offence."

Arsenal.com

Aliadiere wants to stay - and Wenger wants to keep him

By Chris Harris

Jeremie Aliadiere wants to stay at Arsenal and fight for his first-team place - and Arsène Wenger wants to keep him.

The French striker has been linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium but he insists his priority is to establish himself at the Club he joined in 1999 as a 16-year-old.

"I never said I wanted to leave the Club," Aliadiere told Arsenal.com. "All I said was that I wanted to play. That's my priority. I want to play football.

"I want to be involved every weekend but I haven't played a lot in the last six months since I came back from my loan last season. Obviously if I can't play here then I will have to play somewhere else, but Arsenal is my priority.

"There's a lot of competition, a lot of great players and it's really hard to get your place in there but I think every time I've got the opportunity to play I've done my best and in training every day as well. That's all I can do."

Aliadiere did his prospects no harm whatsoever with an outstanding performance in the Carling Cup at Anfield on Tuesday. He scored one goal, won a penalty and set up three of Julio Baptista's quartet in that incredible 6-3 victory over Liverpool.

Aliadiere's excellence did not go unnoticed. Wenger sympathises with his compatriot's plight but he wants the 23-year-old to remain in a pool of strikers which also includes Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor.

"Players like Aliadiere are sometimes difficult to keep because I cannot give him the number of games he wants and deserves," said Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"But I do not want to lose him because I have worked for seven years with him now. He is a super player and I do not want to sell him. He does not want to go on loan, he wants to play somewhere and I can understand that.

"He has three more years on his contract and I hope he will see that out."

Arsenal.com

Player of the Month:Gilberto Silva

Gilberto has been named as Arsenal.com's Player of the Month for December.

The industrious Brazilian excelled as stand-in captain in the absence of the injured Thierry Henry and enjoyed arguably his most productive month for the Gunners, scoring five goals.

The 30-year-old is not renowned for his potency in front of goal but he kicked off the month with two emphatic spot kicks in the North London derby as the Gunners put Tottenham to the sword.

Full involvement followed as Arsène Wenger’s side earned vital draws against Porto in the Champions League and against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In the latter Gilberto made a crucial intervention to deny Didier Drogba a goal.

Perhaps his most important contribution however was in the 2-2 draw with Portsmouth at Emirates Stadium. Two goals down after 47 minutes, Gilberto pulled Arsenal level just moments after Emmanuel Adebayor had leapt off the bench to reduce the deficit.

That equaliser sparked a run which saw Gilberto score in three successive games as Blackburn and Watford both suffered the wrath of the free-scoring Samba star. It seemed everything that went right for Arsenal in December was in some way down to the deputising skipper.

Adebayor was another to flourish in the absence of Henry and truly earned his place as runner-up in this month's poll with strikes against Spurs, Wigan, Portsmouth and Watford. Dutchman Robin van Persie was another to hit a purple patch over the festive period and fans voted him third thanks to a clinical brace against Blackburn and a fine solo effort at Watford. Arsenal supporter Alex Green will present Gilberto with his award before the game against Manchester United on Sunday, January 21.

"Gilberto has been fantastic for us, especially in Henry's absence,” said Alex.

“He's a true unsung hero for the Gunners, who simply goes about his job with the minimum of fuss, scores important goals and inspires the rest of the team."

Wenger - Ljungberg still has 'a lot to offer' at Arsenal

By Chris Harris

Arsène Wenger has responded to media reports about Freddie Ljungberg's future by insisting that the Swedish midfielder still has "a lot to offer" at Arsenal.

"There has been much speculation about Freddie Ljungberg in the media over the last few days," Wenger told Arsenal.com, "but given his dedication and contribution to the team's success since joining the Club I feel it is important to state that Freddie is a valuable member of our squad.

"Although I can't predict the future, Freddie's experience and winner's attitude means he still has a lot to offer us."

Arsenal.com

4 Day 9 Goals : Last Score Liverpool 3 - 6 Arsenal

By Chris Harris

No, you didn't mis-read the scoreline. It really did finish Liverpool 3 Arsenal 6. This was an incredible game and an incredible night for Julio Baptista.

The Brazilian arrived at Anfield without a goal to his name in English domestic football and, some might say, with plenty to prove. He left Merseyside a few hours later with the match ball and an enhanced reputation after his four-goal salvo propelled Arsenal into a Carling Cup Semi-Final showdown with Spurs.

The outstanding Jeremie Aliadiere got the ball rolling in the 26th minute. Robbie Fowler levelled but Baptista curled home a sumptous free-kick to restore Arsenal's lead and added another seconds before the break after Alex Song had broken his duck. Jerzy Dudek saved Baptista's penalty early in the second half but the Brazilian soon completed his hat-trick. Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypia scored to hint at a Liverpool comeback but Baptista put the seal on a famous victory with his fourth - and Arsenal's sixth.

Baptista's goals grabbed the headlines but this performance spoke volumes for the quality and depth of Arsenal's squad. From front to back they were excellent. For Liverpool though this was a humiliation. They haven't conceded six at Anfield for 77 years and are now licking their wounds after two Cup exits at the hands of Arsenal in just four days. Rafa Benitez must be sick of the sight of them.

As expected Arsène Wenger made wholesale changes from the side which won so impressively here in the FA Cup. In came Cesc Fabregas, Baptista, Denilson, Song, Johan Djourou, Aliadiere, Justin Hoyte, Armand Traore and Theo Walcott. Manuel Almunia kept his place in goal while Toure took the captain's armband for the first time in the absence of Thierry Henry and Gilberto. And on the bench sat Henri Lansbury, a 16-year-old who joined Arsenal's academy at the age of nine.

With Liverpool equally unrecognisable from the side which succumbed on Saturday, it took a while for the game to get going. In fact much of the opening stages were taken up by a nasty injury to Mark Gonzalez, who was stretchered off after a seemingly innocuous tackle on Fabregas.

The Spaniard's misfortune made for a muted atmosphere around Anfield, in stark contrast to the booming noise which accompanied Saturday's tie. The home fans were even quieter after Aliadiere gave Arsenal the lead.

Toure showed good vision to pick out the French striker's diagonal run, Aliadiere beat the offside trap and a fantastic first touch gave him the chance to test Dudek as the keeper rushed out. His first effort bounced off Dudek's chest but Aliadiere rolled in the loose ball. One-nil to the Arsenal.

Until then Liverpool had been the better side. Stephen Warnock looked sharp on the left and tested Almunia with a handful of whipped crosses. Craig Bellamy, offering the pace the home side lacked on Saturday, looked menacing. Gerrard lashed a low shot straight at Almunia and Toure made a vital interception after Bellamy and Danny Guthrie linked up well on the right.

Given their early pressure, it was no great surprise when Liverpool equalised five minutes after falling behind. Song was penalised - somewhat unfairly - for a tackle on Fowler, Fabio Aurelio fired in the free-kick, Almunia parried, Luis Garcia showed good presence of mind to cut the ball back and Fowler netted his 12th goal in 16 games against Arsenal with a cheeky backheel.

Arsenal had to dig in as Gerrard took a brief grip in midfield but six minutes before the break the visitors restored their advantage. Aliadiere won a free kick 25 yards out; Baptista and Toure plotted while the Liverpool wall formed. Dudek, apparently expecting a piledriver from the Arsenal captain, shuffled to his left. Baptista curled the ball into the net to the keeper's right. Not a bad way to open your domestic account.

Wenger would have taken a 2-1 lead at the break. In the event his team led 4-1, scoring twice in the six minutes of stoppage time which was added on, ironically, because of Gonzalez's injury. Song grabbed Arsenal's third in fortuitous fashion as Hyypia's attempted clearance bounced in off the midfielder after Fabregas' corner had cleared a bunch of players at the near post.

Then, in the final seconds of the first half, Aliadiere broke the offside trap again and sensibly squared the ball for Baptista. The Brazilian tapped in and the away fans celebrated again, hardly believing what was unfolding in front of them.

Baptista, finally showing the promise which tempted Wenger to bring him to Emirates Stadium, had a chance to complete his hat-trick 10 minutes into the second half after Aliadiere had been tripped by Hyypia. Dudek, who knows a thing or two about saving spot-kicks, pushed Baptista's penalty away. But the Brazilian was soon celebrating again. Aliadiere, growing in confidence with every minute, picked out Baptista with a fizzing pass and he fired low into the corner. An hour gone, and Arsenal were 5-1 up. Incredible.

By now Benitez had brought on Xabi Alonso and the Spaniard, alongside Gerrard, started to exert his authority in midfield. It wasn't long before the Liverpool comeback began. With 67 minutes on the clock Hyypia headed the ball into the Arsenal box. It was half-cleared and a fortunate ricochet took it into the path of Gerrard, lurking on the edge of the area. The England midfielder executed a perfect volley to give Liverpool hope.

That hope turned to something approaching expectation when Hyypia nodded in Gabriel Paletta's cross with 11 minutes left. Surely Arsenal couldn't throw this away? No, they couldn't. With seven minutes left Aliadiere got to the byline again and squared for Baptista again. The Brazilian scored again to end Liverpool's resistance.

So, six goals, a place in the Carling Cup Semi-Finals and, just as importantly, a substitute appearance from Abou Diaby after eight months on the sidelines with a fractured and dislocated ankle. It was good to see the Frenchman back and he looked assured during his nineteen-minute cameo.

But the night belonged to Baptista. As the Anfield crowd streamed out at the final whistle, a recent hit by The Automatic was played over the tannoy: "What's that coming over the hill, is it a monster?". Not exactly. It was The Beast.

Arsenal.com

3rd Macth : Preview Liverpool Vs Arsenal

Arsène Wenger has named his 16-man squad for tonight's Carling Cup tie against Liverpool.

As revealed by Arsenal.com yesterday, Abou Diaby is the notable inclusion. The French midfielder is in line for his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt since fracturing and dislocating his ankle at Sunderland last May.

Cesc Fabregas is back after serving a suspension during Saturday's FA Cup win at Anfield while Kolo Toure and Johan Djourou look set to start in central defence.

Wenger has opted for a blend of internationals and inexperienced youngsters. That second category includes Henri Lansbury, yet to feature for the first team.

Mark Randall and Armand Traore are included after featuring in the Carling Cup victories at West Brom and Everton this season while Matthew Connolly is back from his loan spell at Bournemouth.

2. Abou Diaby
4. Francesc Fabregas
5. Kolo Toure
9. Julio Baptista
15. Denilson
17. Alex Song
20. Johan Djourou
21. Mart Poom
24. Manuel Almunia
30. Jeremie Aliadiere
31. Justin Hoyte
32. Theo Walcott
33. Matthew Connolly
40. Henri Lansbury
43. Mark Randall
45. Armand Traore

Arsène Wenger will perform a familiar balancing act when he takes his Arsenal side back up to Anfield for their second Cup tie in four days against Liverpool.

The Arsenal manager has traditionally used the Carling Cup as a vehicle to develop young players but his starting line-up will include a liberal sprinkling of experience as the Frenchman plots another knockout blow on Merseyside.

"We always adjust to the difficulty we face and I feel we are always in between two problems," Wenger told Arsenal.com.

"One is to reward the players who have fought through until now, and the other is to make the team good enough to have a chance to win the game. It is always about finding the right balance because some players have done extremely well in this competition, they have shown a lot of desire.

"Liverpool is a tough opponent so I have to find the right balance and that's why I will approximately rebuild the team but as well some players who are coming back from injury will have a chance to play. For me I have 20 outfield players of the same level and 10 of them will play."

The most notable inclusion in Wenger's squad is Abou Diaby. The French midfielder has not played since suffering a fractured and dislocated ankle at Sunderland last May but he completed his first full training session five days ago and is in contention for a welcome return.

This time last week Arsenal had 10 first-team players on the injured list. Seven days later only Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring) is still struggling although Emmanuel Adebayor, William Gallas (both thigh) and Lauren (toe) will be given more time to regain full fitness. Theo Walcott and Julio Baptista, both of whom returned from injury with substitute appearances on Saturday, could start tonight.

Wenger's squad is certainly in far ruder health than it was when this game was abandoned due to fog on December 19. Confidence is also high after that FA Cup triumph at Anfield three days ago. Merseyside has been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal this season - they won at Everton in the previous round of this competition. And victory tonight will set up another mouthwatering tie against North London rivals Tottenham.

"We should gain confidence for difficult trips because we have shown we can handle that at West Brom and Everton," said Wenger. "Especially the Everton game, I feel the team played without any fear and I hope we can repeat that kind of performance.

"Playing Tottenham in the Semi-Finals is a huge incentive for us and of course having played Liverpool in the FA Cup we will go up there again with the same desire. The target is to beat Liverpool twice. Going into the Semi-Finals of the Carling Cup is a great motivation for us and we will try to do it.

"I just hope it's not foggy again!"

Welcome Back Diaby

By Chris Harris

Diaby is back in the Arsenal squad for Tuesday's Carling Cup tie at Liverpool.

The French midfielder has not played since suffering a fractured and dislocated ankle at Sunderland last May but he completed his first full training session on Thursday and is in contention for a welcome return at Anfield.

Diaby's recovery is the latest in a long line of promising injury news. As Arsène Wenger explained on Monday afternoon, Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring) is currently the only player without a chance of featuring in Saturday's Premiership game at Ewood Park.

"We have Diaby in the squad for the first time and Emmanuel Adebayor is very strongly coming back. Blackburn is possible for him," said Wenger.

"Lauren is not in the squad for Liverpool, he has a small toe injury. William Gallas will not play either. But basically the only real injury is Ljungberg, he needs one more week after Blackburn.

"That is why I said for a long time that I won't buy anyone [in the transfer window]. I knew I had enough players when they came back from injury."

Subscribers can watch the full video interview with Wenger on Tuesday. In it he discusses: the questions his team answered in the FA Cup, striking a balance with his team selection, previous near-misses in the Carling Cup, Henry's impressive return and the threat of fixture congestion.

I hope this MF will be another young man who will be main team in the future