For the Arsenal to lose 2-0 against Burnley may sound bizarre, but of course, one has to look at the big picture and appreciate the effort and determination the young ones put into this season’s Carling Cup. I did agree with Wenger’s policy to stick with the reserve side and maybe, just maybe, the only mistake by our coach was to start with Bendtner and not Simpson. The brace against Wigan should have been enough for Jay to secure a starting place today so I was as disappointed as many to see Bendtner preferred.

The second half started brightly with Vela playing Merida in the penalty box with the Spaniard making his way past one, two, three defenders, going for the corner to the left of the keeper but his effort was just wide. Unfortunately, ten minutes later, it was 2-0. A quickly-taken throw met finds Kevin McDonald who outmuscles Randall and slots it past Fabianski. Two for McDonald but poor defending from Randall there.

As Simpson replaced Wilshere, Burnley started to adopt a more defensive approach. In one of their many counter attacks, they should have sealed it: A McCann cross from the left finds Martin Paterson unmarked but his header is saved on the line by Fabianski. The match progressed quietly towards the end with Arsenal desperately trying to salvage something with their best opportunity seeing Bendtner in yet another lost one-to-one opportunity with Jensen after Vela picked him brilliantly inside the penalty area.

We archive yet another Carling Cup out of which we can only take smiles and pride. The young pack of kids available to Wenger is strong, strong enough to ease past other Premiership sides and do it in style. Burnley deserved today, or better, took full advantage of their goal opportunities, something which with a little bit of luck, we could have done as well.


Player Ratings

Fabianski: 5,5 - Was outstanding against Wigan but looked shaky from the first minute today.
Silvestre: 6 - Captain for the day. In his time with Arsenal, he had to partner Toure, Gallas, Djourou and today Rodgers. Not an easy start.
Hoyte: 6 - Another one to keep an eye on ahead of the future.
Rodgers: 5 - Did his defensive duties well but panicked when he had to throw it long or make an easy pass.
Gibbs: 6 - Had a much better match than against Wigan.
Merida: 6,5 - He did show what he’s capable of today and almost scored a glorious goal.
Randall: 4,5 - Of all the young guns, he’s the one who disappointed me most in the Carling Cup this season.
Wilshere: 6 - Kept the ball when he should have passed and it’s a shame because the kid’s got great vision.
Ramsey: 5 - Aaron again wanted to impress by keeping the ball way too much, just like Wilshere.
Vela: 5,5 - He’s the man of the cup but today failed to create magic.
Bendtner: 4,5 - Very disappointing, had three clear goal opportunities, yet failed to score.

(Subs)
Lansbury: 5 - Full half but very little involved.
Simpson: 6,5 - He was very much involved into the game and did mighty well on the right wing.
Bischoff: No vote.