Wenger And Arsenal Are All At Sea

Just what is it about this Arsenal side that renders them incapable of dealing with bread-and-butter opposition (sorry Pompey fans, but it's true!) yet pit them against the Manchester Uniteds, Chelseas and Liverpools of this world and they show themselves to be extremely capable.

Once again Wenger played the rotation game. He seems to have done this more this season than in any other I recall. Those rested included Adebayor, who has been playing superbly, and those kept in included Eboue, who really has fallen some way from the promise of last season.

I cannot argue that if Wenger was right to rest the Togalese striker, that Aliadiere should be given his opportunity. He was, and he flopped spectacularly. Young, and full of promise, this was his opportunity to show le Boss that he is ready to take his place on the big stage. He failed. It is just possible that he will have one final opportunity at Anfield on Tuesday. It will be a massive test if Liverpool, as expected, field a strong eleven. He will have to bring the best out of not only himself, but the kids around him. The January transfer window will loom large in his thoughts if he fails again.

There is an outside chance that Lauren will feature at Liverpool after what seems a lifetime out injured. I hope he does, because we are clearly beginning to miss his defensive qualities. A guaranteed first-team berth seems to have come too early for Eboue. It's a shame, given his spirited introduction to the side last season. His attacking instincts are a real plus, but this season he has allowed the defensive side of his game to slip alarmingly, and his petulance is becoming a chore. Kerrea Gilbert will be watching on from Cardiff with interest.

Yet through the frustration yesterday shone a very bright light indeed. Adebayor was summoned from the bench like a modern day super-hero, and answered the panic alarm with a performance full of ability and brooding menace. As Van Persie seeks that elusive thread of confidence that transforms him into a first-class forward, Adebayor continues to delight those who were quick to condemn him as 'not Arsenal quality' after his early performances last season. 'Kanu with pace' was one description of him on the radio yesterday. That underestimates his burgeoning talent I feel. As he approaches the anniversary of his signing, I feel he is further advanced than Drogba was at a comparable stage of his Chelsea career.

So it's off to Anfield next. It would defy all logic if Wenger, having rotated his first team squad in Premiership encounters lately, took anything other than his talented youngsters to face Liverpool in the Carling Cup. Those on the fringe, Almunia, Senderos, Flamini, Aliadiere, and hopefully Lauren, should provide the experience. The best youngsters should be given the opportunity to test themselves against the best. It would be good experience for them, and just reward for defeating the other half of Merseyside, Everton, in the last round.