The Arsenal youngsters started this year's Carling Cup campaign on the right foot with a victory against a spirited West Brom side that is currently in first place of the Championship. Former Gunner Jerome Thomas was sent off in the first half for a violent push on Jack Wilshere, but it took the substitution of Carlos Vela in the second half to give the youngsters a win.
Ramsey and Vela played a big part in both goals. In the 68th minute Ramsey played Vela in with a good pass and Vela fired a fierce left-footed shot. West Brom goalkeeper Dean Kiely could only parry, however, and Sanchez Watt converted the rebound.
In the 76th minute, Ramsey played a great ball in to Mark Randall, who audaciously lobbed Kiely and was unfortunate to hit the crossbar. West Brom's Leon Barnett inexplicably tried to chest the ball back to Kiely and Vela nipped in to steal the ball, round the keeper, and put Arsenal 2-nil up.
Wenger will undoubtedly be pleased with Vela's performance in particular, who is quite the talent and would certainly be a welcome addition to the first team. Since the Arshavin injury, Wenger has had a tough time filling the left wing position. Diaby has looked miserable out there, and Eduardo doesn't seem to have the instincts to track back and defend. A fit Carlos Vela surely could slot in to the left wing, which is a more natural position for him.
From what I've seen of the young Polish goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, I think he's a better player and should be playing ahead of Vito Mannone. He was impressive in preseason and made some good saves to get his clean sheet.
Phillipe Senderos also played his first game for Arsenal in two seasons tonight, and he undoubtedly will also be pleased with the clean sheet tonight. With the injury to Djourou and the new formation, I firmly believed that the more experienced 24-year old Senderos could take his last chance at Arsenal now and earn a spot back in the team. In flashes he is a brilliant defender, and I would feel much more comfortable with him in the side than Silvestre.
All in all, a good win for the youngsters tonight against a quality West Brom side, but not an impressive debut for the likes of Sunu and Coquelin. I'm not sure Wenger will be able to gamble and leave out the likes of Vela and Randall for the two youngsters in the next round if he wants to advance. No wondergoals by Wilshere, Ramsey, or Vela, but a win is a win. On to Round 4.
No comments:
Post a Comment