Camden Sports - TOM FOOT Published: 13 November 2008
Wenger: The revolution begins
Gunners’ home-grown youngsters fuel carnival atmosphere to run riot in cup
ARSENE Wenger hailed the beginning of Arsenal’s English revolution after his home-grown kids ran riot against Wigan on Tuesday.
Fabio Capello was at the Carling Cup match and after the game Wenger, often criticised for fielding too many foreigners, said the England manager would do well to turn up to all his matches in the future.
Wenger said: “You see – I bring them [the English players] through in the end.”
The beaming Frenchman praised Jack Wilshere, suggesting he was lining up the youngster as a potential partner for Cesc Fabregas in the future. “You can imagine the two together would play good football,” he said. “They can complement each other.”
And the Arsenal boss even hinted they might feature in some Premier League games this season, adding: “Now we know they can turn up and produce against a Premiership side. It is tempting I must say.”
Kieran Gibbs sparkled at left-back and Wenger singled him out for special praise: “I like young Gibbs. He can go up and down and has unbelievable physique. “This boy has a future. I loaned out Armand Traore because I know I have Gibbs. I have faith in him.”
With tickets capped at £10 for fans there was a carnival atmosphere in what was a fantastic night for the club.
Chris Kirkland made three world-class saves inside the first 15 minutes before Jay Simpson latched onto to a defence-splitting through-ball from Wilshere.
Simpson added a second shortly after the hour mark from close range before strike partner Carlos Vela put the game out of sight with a remarkable chip over the on-rushing Kirkland.