Good to see the manager taking the Carling Cup a little more seriously this season. The team selected for the visit to St James’ Park demonstrated that, compared to most Premier League sides, Arsenal’s strength in depth is that much greater. It also helps that the formation and style of play is so familiar to the Gunners’ men. They can simply slot in and understanding exists between the players even though they have not lined up together before. That was certainly not the case for the Magpies’ second stringers.

From the opening moments, there seemed little doubt who would run out as the eventual winners. Yes, Newcastle threatened sporadically, but the weight of chances created fell heavily on the visitors’ side. If the opening goal was a bit of a fluke, it was one created by continual pressure. The second goal demonstrated that Arsenal are capable of cynicism to go with the beautiful game, as Bendtner, I am sure, knew exactly what he was doing. Marouane Chamakh is also adept at this side of the game and it’s one the team has to develop a bit if they are to credibly challenge for trophies.

Last night was an opportunity for Carlos Vela to demonstrate he is worth persevering with, but my belief of last season was confirmed. His face just doesn’t fit. Like Diego Forlan, he doesn’t seem to suit the English game for some reason. I am sure he will become a valuable player in Iberian football, but it isn’t going to happen in London. Newcastle were there for the taking, but his display was unconvincing and his slow exit when substituted reminded me of a man walking to the gallows. Perhaps he realised this might be a final chance to impress and that – against a pretty average Newcastle selection – he had failed once again. Contrast with Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez.

There were decent displays all round, especially from Laurent Koscielny who demonstrated all the good qualities that have impressed so far in his Arsenal career. We await the draw on Saturday to see if the club get a home tie in this competition. But if it’s a winnable tie, there is no reason to doubt that this is a very winnable trophy. Arsene Wenger may not hold much store by it, but a victorious day out at Wembley might prove a key stepping stone for this group of players, and get the five years without a trophy monkey off the manager’s back to boot.