Arsenal: Why Capital One Cup Tie with Chelsea Is Not a Priority

In recent years, Arsene Wenger has changed his attitude towards the Capital One Cup. 

Last season, for example, he fielded an unusually strong team in the competition. In the 2012/13 quarter-final against Bradford, only Olivier Giroud was afforded a rest. The likes of Wojciech Szczesny, Per Mertesacker, Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski all started as Arsenal sought to end their long wait for a trophy. 

Of course, we all know how that one turned out. Arsenal ended up losing on penalties in what was arguably the nadir of Wenger’s Arsenal career.

Arsenal are still yet to claim a trophy since 2005. However, the air of desperation around the club has been lifted a little. As Arsenal prepare for their fourth-round clash with Chelsea on Tuesday, they can afford to set their sights a little higher than the League Cup. 

Arsenal’s impressive start to the season has come as something of a surprise. Few predicted that at the end of October the Gunners would be clear at the top of the table. However, inspired by the arrival of Mesut Ozil, Arsenal have put together a consistent run of good results. For the first time since 2007-08, Arsenal are being talked about as potential title contenders.

There is a refreshingly positive atmosphere around the entire club. The fans see evidence of progress, and Wenger senses an opportunity to achieve something special. With Manchester United and Manchester City both struggling to adapt to new managers, this is one of the most open Premier League seasons in years.

An unlikely winner could emerge.

Wenger will do everything he can to ensure that Arsenal continue to be at the head of the Premier League pack. His craving for another championship win supersedes his desire to win a domestic cup. He knows that if Arsenal are to have any chance of lifting the Premier League trophy, they need to manage their resources carefully.

That means fielding a weakened side against Chelsea Tuesday night.

Arsenal face a gruelling fixture list over the next month, hosting Chelsea and Liverpool this week before travelling to Dortmund and Old Trafford. The same XI simply cannot be expected to play all of those games, and this Capital One Cup tie presents the best opportunity to rotate the squad. 

There will still be experience on show.

Szczesny will be replaced by Lukasz Fabianski, who performed admirably against Bayern Munich earlier this year. Club captain Thomas Vermaelen will be handed a rare opportunity to start at centre-back, while the full-back positions will be filled by the accomplished pair of Carl Jenkinson and Nacho Monreal.

Tomas Rosicky will also be on hand to lend his quality and leadership to the midfield, while Nicklas Bendtner is almost certain to be given his first start at the Emirates Stadium since returning to the club. 

However, there will also be a smattering of youth in the XI. The likes of Serge Gnabry and Ryo Miyaichi will be hopeful of convincing Wenger they are ready to start in a game of this significance.

It is still an important game. Wenger will not put out a side that risks a heavy defeat. Arsenal cannot afford to allow a thumping by a title rival to damage their momentum.

However, Arsenal’s priority must be the Premier League. Progression in the Capital One Cup would be merely a bonus.