I watch the Carling Cup not expecting us to win the competition, but to see the kids in action. Sure, we might win the first couple rounds and see Carlos Vela and Jay Simpson do their thing but we’re all safe in the knowledge that if we face a Premiership team in the later stages, we’ll lose. We’ll lose because Wenger will stick to his age old philosophy of sticking with the young guns even when the opposing team is clearly at full-strength. It happened this year against Burnley, last year against Tottenham and the year before against Chelsea. Three games we would have a great chance of winning if a stronger side was playing; maybe we even would’ve won some silverware which would’ve put an end to the trophy doubt, however cheekily.

The lineup against Plymouth for the third round FA Cup tie was Fabianski, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Silvestre, Eboue, Diaby, Nasri, Ramsey, Van Persie, Bendtner. The bench had Vela, Wilshere, Gibbs, Almunia, Adebayor, Bischoff and Randall. Now that’s about as strong a lineup we can put out there (injuries notwithstanding). If Arsene Wenger continues to field a strong side like this for the rest of the competition we can actually look forward to some meaningful games this winter instead of just treating them as practice for the kids. The next one of these games is at Cardiff on January 25th.

So Kolo Toure made a transfer request. I think it’s time. He’s been a great servant to the club but over the last season or so his play has declined, you just don’t feel as confident as you once did whenever a ball is played towards Kolo. He’s been in the midst of some very crucial plays over the last couple years, most notably the Ryan Babel phantom penalty in the Champions League against Liverpool. He used to be the defensive stalwart in the middle but that’s not the case anymore, especially since William Gallas arrived at the club. The two never had great chemistry and were too similar to compliment each other. Senderos, for all his flaws, actually suited Toure as a partner by being aggressive and meeting challenges halfway down the pitch leaving Kolo as a cleanup option in case things got worse. With Gallas, they’re both “wait and see” defenders that often leave things too late for their own good.

Jack Wilshere signed a professional deal with the club soon after he became eligible to do so (by turning 17). He’s got greatness written all over him, at this young age he’s shown the composure of a veteran and the vision that’s well on its way to meeting Fabregas’. He’s ahead of Theo in terms of maturity and has shown a great ability to direct traffic in central and right midfield. I just hope Wenger surrounds the young talent on this team with enough grit and experience so that their ability will shine through. Fabregas had Vieira, Henry had Bergkamp, van Persie had Henry and so on.

There’s some talk of Arsenal pursuing Arshavin. I think he’s overrated. Plus, he claimed to love Arsenal and then two days later dreamed of playing for Barcelona. At least Wenger’s trying, he was even making a play for Inler so suring up the midfield is front and center on his mind. Good to hear, can’t wait to see what he does.

Anyway, the most realistic trophy this year is the FA Cup followed by the Champions League, something we might even have to win to qualify next year. I think we’ve shown we can beat the good clubs, we’ve just had some very rotten luck this year (Tottenham, Aston Villa, Liverpool) and if we just sure up our defense and midfield just a little, I think we’ll climb back into the top 4.

Check by on Saturday for some Arsenal/Bolton highlights.