Positives From The Carling Cup

Image From Tim At Google Pictures

Well the Carling Cup is over for another year, everybody is feeling on a massive downer losing in the manner we did, but its on the Carling Cup, we have much bigger matches coming up, games Tottenham can only dream of playing in.

Below you can read some plus points from the campaign for our younger players at the club.

Armand Traore

Further added to his reputation as one of the best young prospects in the Premiership, only missing one match [against Sheffield United] he played an excellent part in the opening game against Newcastle crossing for Nicklas Bendtner to head the first goal.

Armand already had experience of a Carling Cup final playing in the 2006-2007 final a game Arsenal lost 2-1, Traore flattened Michael Essien with a great tackle in that game.

Plus Point – Showed He Can Play Well And Make A Difference Against Top Sides

Vito Mannone

Many people have viewed Vito as just another young keeper, but in-fact he has massive potential, an excellent shot stopper, and a brilliant reader of the game.

This seasons Carling Cup run has meant he has been able to get a taste of the first team environment, he has been on the bench for every one of the matches, getting a squad number and even being rewarded with a new 4 year contract.

Arsene Wenger also mentioned to ArsenalTV that if Jens leaves he wont need to buy and Mannone would be number 3.

Plus Point – Gained Experience Of Being With The First Team

Nacer Barazite

Nacer has been the best player in the Reserves this season, scoring and playing really well either on the wing or up front he has impressed everybody, a goal in the pre season match against Barnet made people sit up and look at his talent, and taking over the goalscoring duties from Jay Simpson he has been pushing for a Carling Cup game.

And he got it, playing a few minutes against Sheffield United he didnt have enough time to impress, but Wenger gave him another chance against Blackburn he came on playing as a right midfielder, and his classy touches won the applause of alot of people.

Unfortunately he dislocated his shoulder and has been injured ever since, but recently returned to training as we told you first on Young Guns.

Plus Point – Got Some Game Time And Impressed The Fans

Kieran Gibbs

Goals in both legs of the F.A Youth Cup against Man Utd last season put Kieran in the spotlight and an excellent performance against Inter Milan in the Emirates Cup in pre season meant Gibbs was a player we all wanted to see more and more of.

He was named on the bench against Newcastle in the first round, but got his chance starting at left back against Sheffield United, creating a goal for Eduardo and really showing his versatility as well as an eye for a pass, he was rewarded with a pro contract and Arsene Wenger said Kieran would be a first team member next season.

Plus Point – Showed His Versatility And Created A Goal

Mark Randall

Mark already had Carling Cup experience, playing against West Brom last season, but a start against Blackburn on the right of the midfield further helped Randall’s development, helping in a move which saw Bendtner cross for Diaby to score the opener he worked hard playing out of position, he also came on as a sub in the semi final first leg against Tottenham.

Plus Point – Gained A Start And Help Make A Goal Further Adding To His Experience

Henri Lansbury and Gavin Hoyte also were int he first team squad, Gavin didn’t feature at all and Henri only got a few mins against Sheffield United, but all promising signs for the players, Added to that Denilson got his first two goals for the club makes it for me another excellent year. Chin Up Gooners !

Article By – J.Sanderson