The first half was classic cup tie stuff. Chances at both ends and some decent saves required from fourth choice keeper Wojciech Szczesny. Arsenal lined up in the now familiar 4-3-3 with Francis Coquelin in the holding position behind Ramsey and Wilshere in midfield. Up front, Armand Traore and Gilles Sunu provided the width with Sanchez Watt in the middle. I think West Brom played a weakened side, although physically, it did look like men against boys as these Carling Cup matches often do.

And although the home side seemed to enjoy most of the possession and certainly moved the ball around in a much slicker fashion, West Brom were well organized and allowed few clear cut chances. It was a real test for Wenger’s younger players. The visitors fashioned some decent opportunities of their own, and you got the feeling that whoever broke the deadlock first would ultimately win out. However, when former Arsenal youth Jerome Thomas pushed over Jack Wilshere and saw red from the referee, it was inevitable that the Roberto Di Matteo’s side would become even more entrenched and difficult to break down.

It needed a bit of extra quality to win the tie. One assumes Carlos Vela was on the bench because the manager wants to ease him back in, and his ability was evident as soon as he replaced Sunu during the second half. Jack Wilshere switched to the right side of the three man attack, with Armand Traore dropping into midfield to allow Vela to play on the left side of the forward line.

Two goals followed, both with Vela playing a vital part. It was good to see a clean sheet, even if the personnel will not see much action in the competitions the manager values more highly. Additionally, it was good to see Vela back in action, and the hope has to be that he can play a regular part in the first team as he undoubtedly makes things happen in tight matches. He is a very skilful player and we haven’t seen the best of him. Let’s hope his potential can be fulfilled at Arsenal.

So, another round, another run out for the back up options. I’d actually be tempted to persist with Szczesny for the game against Fulham on the assumption that Almunia’s flu is a diplomatic injury hiding the fact he’s been dropped. Mannone has not filled me with confidence and Szczesny is considered good enough for call up for the Polish squad. So let’s see what the lad is made of. It’s all very well scouring Europe for young talent, but sometimes – if there are evident problems in one position - you have to see what the results of that scouting can bring to the team. Yes he’s only 19, but a certain Iker Casillas became first choice for Real Madrid at around the same age. Whatever happened to him?

Kevin Whitcher is the co-author of ‘Arsènal: the Making of a Modern Superclub’. The book can be bought by onlinegooner readers in paperback direct from the publishers with a £1 discount offer on the already discounted price. To take advantage of this offer, Click this link, select ‘buy now’, and on the next page you will have the opportunity to enter a promo code. Enter the word ‘gooner’ here and the amount is recalculated to £4.99. So, a £1 saving. Postage and packing (£2.49 in the UK) will be added before you complete your order.