Play it Again

If you’re in any doubt about the strength and quality of Arsene Wenger’s squad, consider this. On the Sunday you demolish Reading 4-0 in the Premiership. A couple of days later you travel up to the Midlands with a completely different cast, but the play’s the same.

Arsenal’s team of understudies demolished an experienced West Bromwich Albion side in the Carling Cup tie at The Hawthorns and the two goal margin by no means flattered the visitors. Afterwards, new West Brom boss Tony Mowbray paid the same kind of generous tribute to the Gunners’ fabulous football that Reading manager Steve Coppell had offered.

It was an outstanding team effort, in which Theo Walcott’s devastating pace and the promise of young Brazilian midfielder Denilson particularly caught the eye. It was also good to see 23 year old striker Jeremie Aliadiere, who at last seems to be conquering his injury demons, get both goals.