Wenger should go for Carling Cup win

After so much criticism regarding a lack of success you have to wonder what attitude Arsene Wenger will have towards the Carling Cup this year.

It has been seven long years for Arsenal since their last trophy and they blew a massive chance in the Carling Cup final last year, when a blunder from goalkeeper and defender gifted the game, and the silverware, to Birmingham City. It was a huge Carling Cup betting upset.

Over the last decade Wenger has consistently used the Carling Cup to blood younger players and bring through a new generation of Arsenal stars – but given the criticism of himself and his team this year maybe he should go at it all guns blazing.

Winning a trophy, even not the most prestigious trophy in English football, would at least shut up some of his critics who have been calling for his head following a poor start to the season and some debatable last-minute moves in the transfer market.

There are more question marks over the youngsters at Arsenal than ever before as Wenger's continued mission to 'buy youth and develop them' has led to the Gunners reserve and youth players coming under the microscope.

With a lack of squad depth, and the number of younger players out on loan, Wenger might not have the luxury of blooding a full inexperienced team in the Carling Cup – and this could have big benefits overall. Those placing a Carling Cup bet should remember this.

A strong Arsenal side marching their way to lifting the Carling Cup at Wembley come next year would see Wenger get himself back in the good books of many fans and, more importantly, it would finally get that lack-of-trophies monkey off his back for good.