Despite its relative irrelevance in the English football pecking order nowadays I have grown to enjoy the Carling Cup over recent campaigns.

When Arsene Wenger first starting using the youngsters in the tournament we were lucky to get a couple of rounds, but the last couple of seasons have seen the side make great progress. And when we looke back on the competition we can cite the emergence of Fabregas, Djourou and and Eboue through the Carling Cup.

This season we were handed a difficult draw in the third round. We had the lengthy journey to the Stadium of Light to play Sunderland, who were performing in the only competition they could expect to do well in all year!

The match was a sell out (due to the Mackems selling tickets for £5), and was even until Manu Eboue rocket on the hour. His celebration was a bit naff but his confidence rose with that wonder strike. We all know what he went on to achieve during the rest of the season.

Robin Van Persie added the other two goals to put the icing on the cake.



A home tie followed in the next round as run-away Championship leaders Reading visited Highbury.

Jose Reyes got us off to a good start and the win was wrapped up by Van Persie late in the first half, and Arturo Lupoli.



As Christmas approached we were struggling for form and faced a quarter final at suprise package Doncaster Rovers. They had already knocked out Man City and Aston Villa so their tails were up going into the match. An early goal saw them ahead before a deflection on a Qunicy shot got us back on level terms.

Rovers went ahead in extra time only for Gilberto to level with a 120th minute strike. A real captains goal.

Manu Almunia was the penalty hero for Arsenal (as usual) and the Gunners were through to a two legged semi.



The semi final against Wigan was billed as the real David against Goliath struggle...

The first leg at the JJB was utter rubbish. We barely had a shot all night and Paul Scharner (with blue hair) scored the only goal.

The floodlights went out, but sadly not for long enough to spare us having to watch the rest of the game... It was dirge.

The big guns were out for the second leg at Highbury, as well as debutant Abou Diaby. Jose Reyes missed a penalty but Thierry Henry got us in front after some great work from Kerrea Gilbert down the right hand side.

Robin Van Persie got what looked to be the winner in extra time with a brilliant free kick but Sol went walkabout and let Jason Roberts score the vital away goal in the 120th minute... Gutted



Overall it was a decent season for the youngsters and it was the elder statesmen who let the team down in the semi final second leg.

JimmytheCuckoo

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