Arsenal Usher in New Generation of Youth Talent Against Shrewsbury Town

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

In the wake of a tumultuous start to the 2011-12 season where nothing has seemed certain, it was quite soothing to see that, yes, manager Arsene Wenger will continue to field youthful lineups heavily predicated upon talent and exuberance in the Carling Cup.

The faces have changed, somewhat, since the last "golden generation" of Gunner fledgling footballers were plying their trade in the League Cup competition, but the principle remains.   

World Soccer magazine once ran a piece about youth systems for various Premier League clubs—this was at least three years ago, mind you, when teens such as Denilson, Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela all looked sure-fire prospects, ready to enjoy storied careers at the Emirates.

That bet by Wenger—to build a side through youth playing the game a certain way—has since fallen by the wayside, helped in no small part by the tumultuous soundtrack that has deafened eardrums this season.

Certain individuals from that previous generation have come through the ranks, but most (those aforementioned three in particular) look set to leave the club after being sent out on loan this season.

It would be easy to say that this newest crop—of which there were a number on the pitch and in the substitution box on Tuesday night against Shrewsbury Town—will be different. Yet it's an impossible notion to predict just which of these youngsters—if any—will make an indelible imprint on Gunners football. While singular in its ability to capture attention, youth is renowned for its inconsistency.

In other words, don't get your hopes up too quickly.

Still, you had to be encouraged watching Tuesday's display. Youngsters such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ryo Miyaichi bring a certain earnestness to their performances that comes in stark contrast to the near-nonchalant passing of Denilson or the languid stride of Abou Diaby.

Whether it's their resilience or lack of fear in attacking opponents in more direct fashion, the new bunch engender a more palpable feeling of confidence. To my mind, anyways.

They still have a very long way to go, mind you, but that 25-yard searing strike by Oxlade-Chamberlain (while hearkening memories of a similar goal by since-departed Fran Merida against Liverpool in the same competition in October, 2009) was a rousing cry of optimism amidst such a sluggish storm of late.

This next generation of Arsene's kids might best be encapsulated by Emmanuel Frimpong's confident remarks on Twitter this season. These kids bleed Arsenal red and don't appear afraid to get stuck in—whether it be in viral competition or on the pitch.

Could you ask for anything more?