If you're a Gooner, the League Cup means more to you this year than it has since Arsene Wenger's been in charge. Typically categorized as a nuisance for big clubs, and gem of an opportunity for the minnows, it's hard for fans to get up for these games unless it's the only chance at winning some silver that's left in the season. Just witness Manchester United's nonchalant celebrations in the dressing room after clinching last year's Carling Cup.
For a lot of Arsenal fans, this year's League Cup is special because of Wenger's insistence in fielding so many of his youngsters throughout the competition. It's pretty clear what the Frenchman thinks about the competition (not much), and fair play to the visionary for rewarding his youngsters by letting them face Chelsea at the final in Cardiff. While we know the League Cup is fairly pointless, Arsenal's run is miles away from their Champions League performances of last year. What makes these games compelling, besides being North London derbies, is the opportunity for Arsenal fans to watch their youth and reserves begin to gel as a team, providing hope for the future.
With a growing injury list, and little spending money compared to other clubs in the top four, Arsenal needs to make do with what they have at the moment, and what better opportunity for the B-team to get some experience? And what better team to do so against, watching it all come to fruition, than Spurs?
Although Jeremie Aliadiere obviously isn't AW's favorite, he could definitely step into a number of first teams in the top flight, although he disappears at times. Theo Walcott has hit the ceiling of his learning curve, his inexperience glaringly apparent in Wednesday night's game, and Tomas Rosicky's substitution for the teenager had an immediate impact. Gael Clichy came in for an injured Armand Traore and did the same, although Traore definitely exhibited good skill that should serve the squad in the future. I'm most impressed with Manuel Almunia, who essentially is the reason there was a replay against Spurs, getting a hand onto Jermaine Defoe's attempted chip over him in the first match. The Spainard has made very few bad decisions, if any, and has challenged and come off his line at the right moments. I think we're looking a replacement for Lehmann when the German ends his karate, er football career.
With a showdown in the final against Chelsea, (who could see skipper John Terry return this weekend) the restart of the Champions League, and a legitimate chase for second place, Arsene Wenger hopes his youngsters can improve even more as the CL and EPL become more relevant and the injury list remains long. Let's hope the difference in the Arsenal dressing room after the final evokes nothing of Man U's.
Gunners extra firepower has final reward [Guardian]
-bl
For a lot of Arsenal fans, this year's League Cup is special because of Wenger's insistence in fielding so many of his youngsters throughout the competition. It's pretty clear what the Frenchman thinks about the competition (not much), and fair play to the visionary for rewarding his youngsters by letting them face Chelsea at the final in Cardiff. While we know the League Cup is fairly pointless, Arsenal's run is miles away from their Champions League performances of last year. What makes these games compelling, besides being North London derbies, is the opportunity for Arsenal fans to watch their youth and reserves begin to gel as a team, providing hope for the future.
With a growing injury list, and little spending money compared to other clubs in the top four, Arsenal needs to make do with what they have at the moment, and what better opportunity for the B-team to get some experience? And what better team to do so against, watching it all come to fruition, than Spurs?
Although Jeremie Aliadiere obviously isn't AW's favorite, he could definitely step into a number of first teams in the top flight, although he disappears at times. Theo Walcott has hit the ceiling of his learning curve, his inexperience glaringly apparent in Wednesday night's game, and Tomas Rosicky's substitution for the teenager had an immediate impact. Gael Clichy came in for an injured Armand Traore and did the same, although Traore definitely exhibited good skill that should serve the squad in the future. I'm most impressed with Manuel Almunia, who essentially is the reason there was a replay against Spurs, getting a hand onto Jermaine Defoe's attempted chip over him in the first match. The Spainard has made very few bad decisions, if any, and has challenged and come off his line at the right moments. I think we're looking a replacement for Lehmann when the German ends his karate, er football career.
With a showdown in the final against Chelsea, (who could see skipper John Terry return this weekend) the restart of the Champions League, and a legitimate chase for second place, Arsene Wenger hopes his youngsters can improve even more as the CL and EPL become more relevant and the injury list remains long. Let's hope the difference in the Arsenal dressing room after the final evokes nothing of Man U's.
Gunners extra firepower has final reward [Guardian]
-bl
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment