Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshere Have Formed a Superb Foundation for Arsenal's Future

As Arsenal were eliminated from the FA Cup after a 2-0 loss to rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, it signified the Gunners' third consecutive competition elimination in a fortnight. The Gunners rapid demise began with a surprise loss in the Carling Cup final, which would have ended their notorious five-year silverware absence.

However, a defensive mishap between keeper and centre half resulted in Birmingham City securing a final minute winner. Then came the embarrassing performance against world football kings Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League second leg round of 16, and of course the FA Cup defeat.

A fortnight ago manager Arsene Wenger was praising his team's seasonal efforts and his belief that his team—which over the last five years the Frenchman has tirelessly orchestrated, developing young teenagers and promising talents into quality footballers—was at last at fruition and that Arsenal could achieve an incredible quadruple.

But in a mere two weeks, Arsenal's mental integrity alongside Wenger's managerial calibre are in serious question and the Gunners faithful have are left pondering whether this young side, so rich in attacking prowess and elegant play, can actually diminish the long overdue wait for trophy success.

Granted, there have been a number of key factors that have influenced the recent Arsenal demise. In the build up to the Carling Cup final, where it all began to unravel, the North London giants encountered Stoke City. A comfortable 1-0 victory was acquired by Wenger's men but it came at a serious cost.

Arsenal lost in-form winger Theo Walcott, whose contribution since the new year have been superb, as well as captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas to injuries. Both missed the Carling Cup final as a seriously understrength and lethargic Arsenal attack failed to find the winning answer.

Walcott's presence was set to be vital in not only the Carling Cup but the UEFA Champions League encounter with Barcelona. Despite Arsenal being 2-1 up on aggregate, Barcelona outplayed and overpowered the Gunners even with the return of a semi fit Cesc Fabregas. Albeit there were some controversial decisions from referee Massimo Busacca.

However, one cannot say the Gunners were outplayed against Manchester United last night. Put simply, Sir Alex Ferguson's men capitalized on their opportunities whilst Arsenal, despite creating numerous chances, were continually thwarted by United shot stopper Edwin van der Sar.

In what was a strong attacking display from the Gunners that merely lacked a clinical finish, the Arsenal faithful and critics alike must respect that considering the absence of Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and defensive midfielder Alexandre Song. It was a gallant effort from the psychologically drained North London giants.

The two men at the forefront of the Arsenal attack, orchestrating, twisting and gliding past defenders, were young midfielders Jack Wilshere and Samir Nasri. The duo worked tirelessly, consistently conveying their monumental amount of creativity, but sadly no reward materialized.

The pair have been present for all three of Arsenal's Cup eliminations in the last fortnight yet somehow have continued to perform at an impressive, intense rate. Nasri and Wilshere have easily been Arsenal's two best players of the season so far and in each of the respective defeats have performed gallantly.

The duo have been victims of a lack of midfielding presences in the Arsenal attack. The absences of Song, Walcott and Fabregas have played a significant role in Wilshere's and Nasri's inability create clear-cut chances despite the best efforts.

Playing beside the lacklustre Abou Diaby and Denilson, the lifeless Andrei Arshavin, the limp Tomas Rosicky and the distracted Robin van Persie cannot be easy, more so demoralizing, yet it immediately brightens the future for Arsenal.

Captain Cesc Fabregas has endured the last two seasons in speculation as Barcelona continually mount rumour after rumour that the Spaniard will return to his boyhood club the following season. Every Arsenal fan, Wenger and world football are aware this transition is inevitable.

Though his huge love for Arsenal, Fabregas desires to one day return to his home town and with Arsenal's lack of silverware success progressing and progressing, the move loom sooner rather than later. Last season the thought of Cesc Fabregas's departure was the worst thing possible for the Arsenal faithful as it appeared no one could possibly replace the Gunners' fearless leader.

However, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere have effectively diminished this proposition after their strong displays this season. Nasri's newfound consistency has resulted in the French dynamo achieving 14 goals this season, joint top scorer with Robin van Persie.

Meanwhile, the emergence of 18-year-old Wilshere as one of the best midfielders in Premier League has been a joy to watch for all Arsenal fans. The pair are exemplary in not only their natural skill, flair and passing range, but their sheer work ethic and desire.

It has established a sensationally foundation for Arsenal's future and something that Wenger, or any manager, can work around. Quality players will emerge even if the likes of Fabregas or van Persie depart. The likes of young guns Henri Lansbury, Aaron Ramsey, Francis Coquelin and Ryo Miyaichi will implement a stronger Arsenal midfield that will compliment Nasri and Wilshere with the ever-present contribution of Alexandre Song.

If Wenger needs a way to find a lift from his players, particularly the struggling midfielders, it's simple. Tell them to play exactly like Wilshere and Nasri.