Arsenal Carling Cup Player Ratings vs. Tottenham: 4-1

A North London derby to remember, well at least for the Arsenal faithful. Despite the fixture being a Carling Cup encounter, Arsenal and Tottenham fought right into extra time before the Gunners finally cracked opened their fatigued rivals with three extra time goals.

In what was a heated, intense, exciting encounter in which Arsene Wenger's men dominated for long periods, imposes their dominating presence early on when young gun Henri Lansbury tapped home a typical, well worked Arsenal move. 

Albeit the Carling Cup is usually a competition where Wenger bloods his teenage sensations, enabling them to get first team experience. However Wenger, who was forced to watch from the stands whilst Pat Rice took over the managerial duties due to suspension, utilized a somewhat experienced team that would suffice for Europe and the Premier League. Only one player from the starting XI in Henri Lansbury was not listed on the first team roster.

None the less it was an attacking, strong Arsenal XI that can be proud of a strong effort who withstood some horrendous refereeing especially from a linesman who has a great deal to answer for. Tottenham did boast some impressive attacks of the own and find the score sheet thanks to some lacklustre defending and the inevitable of poor keeping from deputy shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski.

But Arsenal held strong creating numerous opportunities right until the final whistle of regulation time blew. Come extra time the Gunners were to fit, to quick and to powerful as Samir Nasri slotted twice from the penalty spot and substitute Andrei Arshavin superbly finished after the Tottenham defence was caught napping.

Arsenal now progress to the fourth round of the prestigious League Cup were hopefully they face a lesser opposition to benefit the youngsters.

Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski:5: Same old story for the Polish keeper. Barely challenged and when Fabianski was called into action could complete a simple save allowing Tottenham to equalise. Surely now Wenger has to realise that Lukasz Fabianski needs a loan spell or another club

Emmanuel Eboue:7.5: The Ivorian was a strong asset in attack, propelling forward with vigour but did have a tendency to be reckless with deliveries. Defended solidly as well but was caught out on occasion.

Johan Djourou:6.5: As expected after an injury lay off the imposing Swiss defenders first start for the season was a little shaky and rusty. However did show promising signs despite a few errors. Will regain confidence over time. 

Laurent Koscienly:8.5: A strong, assuring performance from the Frenchman. Lead the backline and happily baked humble pie for the remaining critics who doubt the Koscienly's ability. Made a goal saving tackle on Aaron Lennon as well as dominating the air and ground with ease.

Kieran Gibbs:8: A strong performance that was marred by the rebreaking of his metatarsal in the dyeing stages of the match, which could see the Englishman absent for over four months. However defended greatly alongside a calm, beneficial attacking display.

Denilson:8: The Samba Star's first start of the season was a good one. Controlled the midfield well with a number of great passes as well as solid strength and movement. Was guilty of some astray passes however.

Jack Wilshere:8.5: Superb from the teenage sensation. To hot to contain Harry Redknapp's mean were forced to resort to constantly kicking the English starlet. Created endless chances and was such a threat with the ball at his feet. Also assisted with the opening goal.

Tomas Rosicky:7: The captain worked tirelessly and managed to slice up the Tottenham back four with incisive runs and flowing passes. Worked to hard at times but a captains knock by the Czech. All were thankful he wasn't on the pitch for the penalties too.

Samir Nasri:8: Took some time, as usual, but when the Frenchman got hot he was on fire and hard to spot with dominating runs, and inch perfect passes. Looks to be regaining his fitness and flair and should be a shinning light this season if fitness persists. Great composes penalty strikes to cap off a strong evening.

Henri Lansbury:7: The English youngsters first start for the Gunners was a memorable one opening the scoring. Moved well and showed good pace and balance on the ball

Carlos Vela:6.5: Struggled to lead the front line on his own and is evidently better suited to the wing. Needed to work and move more but still dangerous in an around the goal square.

Substitutes

Marouane Chamakh:6.5: Substituted on and helped bring the lacking physical presence to the frontline.

Andrei Arshavin:7: The much maligned Russian scored a stunner and hopefully install some confidence back to his game.

Gael Clichy:N/A: