Wenger keeping faith in young Gunners

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The Gunners boss included veteran defender Mikael Silvestre and midfielder Samir Nasri made his first appearance of the season after recovering from a fractured leg, but it was Spain teenager Fran Merida who fired the hosts ahead, with Nicklas Bendtner, 21, also on the scoresheet after Emiliano Insua had equalised.

"It is always difficult to convince people we do not need players, but when you see them tonight, you understand why," said Wenger.

The Arsenal boss believes the performances of the likes of Merida, Wales international Aaron Ramsey and Craig Eastmond shows just why he continues to believe in the young Gunners.

"We see them every day in training and have so much quality with our young players that we are not specially out on the market. Fran is 19, Ramsey and Eastmond still only 18. To play in a game at that level, they deserve a lot of credit."

Full-back Kieran Gibbs turned in a decent display in front of England manager Fabio Capello.

Wenger believes the 20-year-old can force his way into the World Cup squad.

"Gibbs will get games and he has already this season," said the Arsenal manager.

"Personally, if Capello asks me my opinion, I will give him a very positive one. I believe he is ready to step up."