Carling Cup: Musings On The Arsenal Side That Put Tottenham To The Sword

First of all, this is NOT a match report. It was not a very important match. As all Arsenal fans will surely remember, this is the mickey mouse cup and not very important. Lets not forget that this is a small game and this should be remembered.

Right, now I can be bias again. It was a North London derby, one of the best derbies in the world. And the Arsenal side impressed me greatly.

This is a midfield that started without: Fabregas, Arsharvin, Diaby, Ramsey and Walcott. This a midfield that played with precision and beauty that is comparable to how we played against Braga.This is a midfield that was dominated by one 18 year old despite obvious and glaring attempts to "target" him.

Wilshere was fabulous last night. His stamina is incredible. He has now played in three games in six days. He has started and completed all of these whilst playing 120 minutes last night. He was targeted from start to finish and the way he rode the challenges and dictated play was impressive. He is the replacement for Vieira. Not because he is a tall, dark, strong box-to-box midfielder with a face you do not mess with. But because of the sheer steel and determination that he displays. Most of the time, after being fouled, he'd still be trying to play the ball. He passed with precision and danger. You must remember that his place in Wenger's plans stretches back to 2001. He is also not Vieira in his level of creativity. He's many things at once. The new Fabregas, the new Liam Brady, the new Vieira. There is elements of all these great players and I think he is one of those rare players who can't be the new anything. In a generation, young players will be the new Wilshere. 

Gibbs was also extremely impressive. I hope this injury doesn't prove to damage his season as it looks long term. He was solid in defence to start with, but the performance of Koscielny allowed him license to roam forward more and more often. His link up play was brilliant and you could see that Clichy recognised this when he chose to beat three players down the flank late in the game. Gibbs could be a true great if he doesn't succumb to niggling injuries.

Lansbury wasn't quite as good as these two. I think it's a lot to do with game time. He provided a good performance but not one which promised greater things. I think his career hangs a lot on this season. Whether or not his performances start to show more promise, he is a solid player. It is hard to judge him against players like Wilshere who, on paper, may be similarly talented but are completely different on the pitch. Well done on getting his first Arsenal goal and, like I say, he just needs game time.

Koscielny was extremely good last night. He is more promising than Vermaelen. Why? Because Vermaelen left Ajax as captain. Two seasons ago Koscielny was plying his trade in Ligue 2. He is also more of a defender and less attack minded. That tackle on Lennon was perfection and I prefer his mentality to Vermaelen. I think this will change this season but right now Vermaelen is too attack minded. Look at the way our midfield can attack and go forward now. Tottenham breaks weren't the same as they'd have been yesteryear, with our centre backs desperately trying to make it back. They were straight into Koscielny and, to start with, past Djourou. Djourou got a hell of a lot better as the game wore on and I put his early mistakes down to nerves. But back to Koscielny, he is seriously good and ugly. It always helps when defenders are ugly.

What else has become clear since last night? Well Rosicky and Nasri are not competing for the same place. Rosicky isn't as far up the field Nasri and the flair of these two was very instrumental in the first half dominance.

Nasri is a real fighter. I'm not his biggest fan and I'm not still convinced, but I think I'm looking for a different skill set from the midfielder that we'll see from other players after Fabregas eventually leaves. But bloody hell does he go for every ball and every challenge and every 50:50. Really impressed with his work rate. 

Vela kept going for the wonder goal. He needs to calm his game down and not to try to shoot to Arsenal stardom. 

Eboue was excellent. He is determined and, along with Nasri, completely dominated the right flank later in the game. He gave us a couple of runs which reminded us of what he was to Arsenal pre-Sagna. 

Chamakh needs to be rested for a game. That or be substituted on the hour. He is our only target man striker currently fit and he needs to stay that way.

Denilson is finally starting to show the Brazillian flair that many doubted. He is solid in midfield, giving us a foundation to play our massive passing moves.

Arsharvin's poor form is no hindrance to his usefulness to Arsenal. Look at his recent goals and assists. 

All of a sudden, it's looking like a fluke draw at Sunderland is only a fluke draw at Sunderland.