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Young guns will get to the top, says Bendtner
James Olley, Evening Standard24.09.08
Arsenal 6
Sheffield United 0
Nicklas Bendtner today claimed Arsenal's Carling Cup thrashing of Sheffield United vindicates manager Arsene Wenger's decision not to bring in more players during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners boss was criticised for failing to add more depth to the squad after signing only four players despite experienced stars Alexander Hleb, Gilberto, Jens Lehmann and Mathieu Flamini all leaving.
But Arsenal's youngest-ever side — with an average age of 19 — produced a stunning display to hammer the Blades 6-0 at Emirates Stadium last night with Mexican teenager Carlos Vela and 16-year-old Jack Wilshere amongst the goalscorers.
And Bendtner, who scored the first two in the rout, believes Arsenal's young guns have proved the required strength in depth is there to end the club's three-year trophy drought.
"I think every year there is talk about the strength of the squad and every year the boss says we have the players who are here," said the Danish striker.
"They have showed they have the quality to do what is required of them.
"I don't think there was any doubt that people here thought we were strong and capable enough. We are top of the table and are doing well.
"If you have to add to the squad, you have to add to the squad. I can only say that what we have here has shown to be really good so far."
That is something of an understatement. What is perhaps most impressive is not so much the quality of the youngsters but their composure.
Vela scored a hat-trick and took each of his goals with consummate ease, including a delightful dink over United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny for his second.
The 19-year-old was making his first competitve start for the club having spent time out on loan at Celta Vigo, Osasuna and Salamanca while awaiting his work permit following a £2.5million move from Guadalajara in 2005.
Bendtner said: "I remember he came here when he was 16 and then we didn't see him for two years. But he showed good things on trial and since he came here for the start of the season he has been doing really well.
"He works hard and is a good finisher as we saw last night. I thinked we combined really well. He is here now and we are delighted to have him."
Although United were lacklustre opponents, it was impossible not to be impressed by Arsenal's quick passing and Bendtner added: "The guys who played have played in the reserves together now for a few years.
"We showed a lot of character all through the game and proved what Arsenal are about.
"For myself, I will try to push on and get into the first-team squad more regularly. Scoring two goals can hopefully help with that.
"We could have scored even more goals but we will have to settle with six and we are very happy for that."
Reader views (10)
if this youth team is so good how come it never won the youth fa cuo or the reserve league,gooners must think wenger is on hallowed ground,4 years no trophies,just pretty football,no end trophy though is there..a long way to go too match fergies kids years ago who WERE HOMEGROWN!!
- Joseph, hemel
Sure, they will get to the top and then collaps in time for Chelsea and ManU to win the league.
- Ray, London, England
Hmmm James Hennessy, ok we didn't win anything for the last 3 years, but we were dam close last year. It was a great performance by the youngesters so why not just give them credit and leave it at that instead of bashing on about what we didn't win lol. Also considering we don't spend the sort of money the other big 3 do Arsenal are always there abouts and hey this just might be the season it all comes together, so instead of criticizing get behind the team.
- Stuart Gray, London
Great result, but the opposition was not great either! I think these boys are the real deal though and like i have been saying for a while we have depth in the squad!!! None of the first 11 that were playing on Saturday against Bolton except Bendtner & Song and on top of that we have Silvestre, Diaby, Nasri, Rosicky, Bischoff and Eduardo all on the injury table. Things are looking bright thats for sure!!!
- Paul Newman, Milton Keynes/UK
Lets hope we get SPURS in the next round...
- Gooner1952, Destin,Florida USA
No wonder le boss didn't rush out with the check book, just hope we get to see more of the kids in the first team, the performance was simply "brilliant".
- Gooner1952, Destin, Florida USA
Didn't the same thing happen last year and the year before, but Arsenal still didn't win anything. We would be more impressed if the team of good young players that came through three years ago ended up winning something. I'm sure Arsene Wenger's brief wasn't to produce brilliant young players who compete well in the Carling cup and follow that by his senior squad winning diddly squat for three years on the trot.
- James Hennessy, London England
The future is bright it's red & white!!!
- Anthony Nw Gooner, London
Absolutely superb. Well done to the team, Arsene Wenger & the superb directors of Arsenal Football Club.
- Rob Gooner, North London
My comment is that no comments are necessary; the sublime football demonstrated by the youth team last night says it all.
- Manc Gooner, Manchester, UK
