What a fantastic performance by the home team at the Emirates on Wednesday evening, as they put the Latics to the sword 3-0. Many had thought that Wigan would provide a stern challenge to Arsenal’s young team, although they followed up their 6-0 win against Sheffield United in the previous round with a splendid win here.

The BBC reports that Arsene Wenger was positively glowing after the triumph, which means that the Gunners are into the quarter final stage of the Carling Cup for the fifth season running. The Frenchman was highly impressed by the maturity of the performance from his young side, which begs the question as to whether more of them should be included in league matches!

He said: “We stood up to the test and got a remarkable combination of desire, energy and quality. From the first to the last minute we looked really up for it. We had a relentless go. In the end it was a fantastic win.”

“These boys, they surprise everybody because there is a mixture of character, commitment and calm as well. Under pressure they remain extremely calm and play always very good football. What they do on the pitch is not a coincidence, it is quality.

“We are proud, not only because we have won, but because we have won in a convincing style with a lot of quality, energy and team spirit. With such a young team, it is fantastic to see. They love it. When you are 17 and 18 and playing in front of 60,000 people, are you inhibited or do you play better? They have chosen the second solution because they have character.”

Do Arsenal supporters think that the likes of Carlos Vela, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere should be getting more first team opportunities, or is it a different kettle of fish when it comes to the bread and butter of the league? Fans must be delighted that the future looks so bright after one of the best Gunners performances of the season.

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