Simply Stunning

Arsenal’s youngsters stunned Anfield as they hit Liverpool for six to breeze into a two leg Carling Cup semi-final confrontation with Spurs beginning at White Hart Lane on 24th January, with the return at the Emirates Stadium six days later. And on the strength of this remarkable performance from an Under 21 side, Martin Jol’s boys must already be shaking in their boots.

Jeremie Aliadiere, who was outstanding throughout, opened the scoring in the 26th minute when he pulled a long through ball from Toure out of the air and beat Dudek. Within five minutes Liverpool were level when Almunia parried Aurelio’s free kick wide to Garcia, whose cross was impudently turned in by Robbie Fowler. But anyone who expected Arsenal’s young side to crumble at this point was mistaken, because by half time they had raced to a 4-1 lead, as Baptista bent in a wonderful Brazilian free kick, Song smuggled the ball in from a corner and Baptista grabbed his second in injury time.

Even two further goals from Liverpool – a terrific volley from Gerrard and a header from Hyypia – made little impression, and neither did Dudek’s save from Baptista’s penalty. The brilliant Aliadiere set Baptista up for his third, a carefully placed finish from the edge of the box, and a triumphant 84th minute fourth from close range. It capped a stunning Arsenal team performance, the first time in 76 years that Liverpool have conceded six goals at Anfield, and a wonderful glimpse into the Gunners’ exciting future.