Top clubs crash out of League Cups

Many of the big guns have been knocked out of domestic league cups lately, perhaps the most notable, Real Madrid's loss to the Basque 3rd division side Real Union. Another one bit the dust tonight, as Villareal crashed out to Polideportivo Ejido, also a 3rd division side, which they deserved after drawing 1-1 at El Madrigal after losing 5-0 away.

Now it's Chelsea and Liverpool's turn. The Blues were knocked out by Championship side Burnley on penalties, which featured a Drogba goal on his return from injury, and a little rude gesture as well. And for Liverpool, well, they got manhandled by Spurs, who have scored an impressive 18 goals in the last six matches.

No doubt it would've been nice to compete on several fronts, but this is perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Premier League leaders, as the Carling Cup means less to the top 4 than it does to the rest of the league. Except Arsenal, since even a broken handle off of a tarnished tea set would make Gooners ecstatic, let alone an actual cup you can swill champagne out of.

While mocked in the media as a frivolous competition for top-flight sides, and cherished as a massive financial and sporting opportunity for the smaller clubs in England, the League Cup may further lose its significance as the credit crunch continues and we see half full stadia.

[Goal, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Examiner]

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Gunner Lite to meet Blues in Cardiff

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]

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The Grab: 12.19

You gotta love the EPL, or all of Britain if you like, cultivating the drama surrounding top flight teams, their gaffers, and the stupid (and sometimes true) things they say. Will the Toffees sue the Special One over his criticism of Andy Johnson?

Considering Moyes' boys from Liverpool have more to worry about than what some Portugeezer said about their dynamo up front (qualifying for Europe, perhaps), is this the best on offer for Christmastime controversey? Falling just short of labelling the sometime England forward as a cheat, which in itself is quite rich considering what the entire footballing world thinks of Chelsea's forward men.

All I can say is that I'd be surprised if anything came of this, and this is even more boring than when Jose Mourinho called Wenger a "voyeur". It is a French word, after all. But then again, perhaps so is "diver".

Everton court legal action unless Jose withdraws Johnson diving claims [Daily Mail]

It's just getting a bit desperate now, isn't it? Will the Queen's favorite Canuck ever make it to Old Trafford? Funny how he was happy as a clam in Munich, and now that Sir Fergie wants him, he misses his family (in England)? Let's just hope he doesn't disappoint like Michael Carrick when he becomes a Red Devil.
Citing family, Owen Hargreaves says he wants to play in England [Calgary Sun]
Bayern rule out January Hargreaves sale [Guardian Unlimited]

Apparently everyone just wants to get the League Cup out of the way [BBC Football]

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