Wednesday's Carling Cup tie between Arsenal and Liverpool was a chance for the fringe player and youngsters to stake a claim for the first team. And in a high-tempo match of quality football and two of the finest goals you are likely to see all season, it was the young hopefuls that stole the limelight.
Arsenal teenagers Fran Merida and Niklas Bendtner grabbed the goals to take the Londoners into the quarter-finals whilst 19-year Argentine international Emiliano Insua netted his first goal for Liverpool with a stunning drive from 30 yards. On a night where youngsters outshone their more experienced team mates, Craig Eastmond and Aaron Ramsey also demonstrated they were stars in the making.
Arsenal Young Stars Outshine Liverpools Top Flops
It was a chance for the youngsters to impress and Craig Eastmond in particular controlled the midfield for Arsenal as if it were second nature to him, protecting the back four in a holding role most English players are reluctant to fulfil. Liverpool teenagers Jay Spearing and Damien Plessis both defended well and were tenacious in the tackle, but did not have the cutting edge or attacking finesse as the young Gunners, Eastmond, Ramsey and goal scorer Merida.
Though it was a decent display by the Reds, the match really was a case of Arsenal's young hopefuls outclassing Liverpool's top flops. Fringe players, the likes of Ryan Babel and David Ngog again failed to impress along with first team regular Dirk Kuyt who was virtually anonymous for the entire time he was on the pitch.
It wasn't all negative for Rafael Benitez' squad however. Philipp Degen, who has been plighted by injury since his arrival on Merseyside showed his capability's as a defender and an ability to get forward. Andriy Voronin also played well, but although he got himself into some great positions couldn't be found by his teammates.
Alberto Aquilani Offers Ray of Hope To Liverpool's Season
Another positive for Benitez and Liverpool fans was the introduction of Alberto Aquilani in the 76th minute. The former Roma playmaker was signed for 20m in the summer to replace Xabi Alonso, but has been recovering from ankle surgery and has not been available for selection. His introduction sparked life into Liverpool who were lacking ideas in the final third and passing the ball backwards as much as they were forwards. Aquilani though only went forward and in linking up with Voronin, the away side were beginning to cause the Arsenal back line problems.
Time was running out though. The little Italian had a penalty appeal rightly turned away, but Liverpool were finishing the stronger side and forced Arsenal to resort to counter-attack football. Had Aquilani been introduced into the game earlier the score line may have been different.
Without the Carling Cup to concern him though, Benitez can concentrate on the league which is what Liverpool fans most want. And with Aquilani showing early signs of inventiveness and ingenuity, even that brief sightin, givesLiverpool fans hope for the near future.
