Merida has something that Cesc Fabregas hasn’t got and that is power from long range. We have seen it many times for the reserves and for the Spanish youth sides. Give him space on his left foot and he can punish you

Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1 – Carling Cup

Last night’s game against Liverpool in the Carling Cup was a cracker. High tempo, high energy and full commitment from both sets of players.

Both managers clearly wanted to stay in the competition and that showed by the mixed teams. A sprinkling of experienced players amongst the up and coming young players who are pushing and shoving themselves against the first team door.

I was looking forward to watching the energetic Francis Coquelin and was surprised and a little disappointed to see him sitting on the substitutes bench. Craig Eastmond was the youngster to take his place in central midfield. Interesting decision given the fact that he had played pretty much all of last season at right back and was only pushed into central midfield this term.

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality on show from the 18 year old Englishman. A great engine, brave and physically aggressive in the tackle.

I thought he was the best player on the pitch in the first 45 minutes. Yet another young talent showing that he could step into the first team and not look out of place. Many supporters including myself have said that perhaps we are lacking numbers in the defensive midfield position but it will not be long before we have too many players fighting for the same position. A year behind them is a certain Emmanuel Frimpong who is also blessed with great qualities who will join the queue to be part of the best team in English football.

Although Liverpool played with a different team to the one that brushed aside Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, the work ethos was the same. They came out sprinting after our players in possession of the ball, closing us down at every opportunity and tried to get our young players to miss place passes. The trouble for Liverpool is that these players work on that area during every training session which meant that possession was rarely squandered.

Fran Merida’s first goal for the Arsenal senior’s will be one that he will remember for a long time. It was Craig Eastmond who was involved, winning the ball high up the pitch and the ball fell nicely for Merida who turned and let fly, the ball cannoned off the post and into the Liverpool net.

Merida has something that Cesc Fabregas hasn’t got and that is power from long range. We have seen it many times for the reserves and for the Spanish youth sides. Give him space on his left foot and he can punish you.

Nicklas Bendtner was having an up and down game, working hard for the team and getting himself involved regularly but also he was having issues with the ball sticking to him almost as if he had poured a bottle of olive oil over his boots before kick off. Some of his passes were misplaced, while some of his intentions were not read by his team mates.

Liverpool got themselves back into the game shortly after the Arsenal opener. Left back Insua was allowed far too much space and his dipping half volley flew over the head of Fabianski. Why on earth do we have problems with balls dropping over the heads of our goalkeepers this season? To be fair to Lukasz he had a very good all round game, looking very secure from crosses and tidied up very well, especially on one occasion when he brought a high ball down on his right foot and under pressure played a pass out to an Arsenal player.

Samir Nasri looked good in central midfield if not spectacular but his class was evident. Nasri will need games to get back to his very best.

Arsene Wenger said yesterday that Ramsey was close to the first team and the Welsh maestro did not let his gaffer down with yet another top quality performance. He probably is the most all round midfielder at the club at present. Dribbles, passes well, good vision, scores goals and can win the ball. Ramsey in a few years time will be massive for the club.

Praise must go to the back four, all four players individually and collectively had great games. Gilbert who looked a little short of the required level against West Brom was fantastic against Liverpool, he made vital interceptions and his passing was much better. Kieran Gibbs looked like a first team player last night. Calm composed and strong in the tackle. The center backs have had to deal with plenty of stick in recent times but were both in good form.

Arsenal’s second goal in the second half was a thing of beauty and typical of what Arsene wants from his team. A move that started in our own penalty area with Liverpool players putting Ramsey under pressure ended up with Bendtner in the Liverpool box many intricate passes later. Bendtner swivelled and fired high into the net on his left foot.

It was pleasing that Bendtner should get the goal after his performance, it will give him a boost ahead of the many important games we have coming up.

The game was by no means all Arsenal, Liverpool played their part in the game creating some good chances with some good attacking football. They could and perhaps should have taken the lead in this game when David Ngog’s backheal put full back Degen through on goal but his effort curled wide.

New boy Alberto Aquilani showed some good promise in his cameo and could well be a big player for Liverpool should he stay fit. It kind of makes me wonder why he is not wearing an Arsenal shirt. Good on the ball, good passer and injury prone. Perfect.

The young guns did everything they could to help Liverpool back into the game again by giving away possession continuously late in the game. Substitute Mark Randall and Fran Merida were the most guilty culprits.

The boys did manage to hold out and book a place in the quarter finals. I am writing this whilst watching ‘You’re on sky sports’ directly after the game and it appears that other supporters and pundits are finally taking notice of the great work Arsene is doing behind the scenes.

The boys done themselves proud and can look forward to another round of Carling action. I am sure Wilshere and Vela will be chuffed.