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Wenger hails "fantastic" Arsenal youth

12/11/2008

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was full of praise for his youngsters' "fantastic win" over Wigan Athletic in the Carling Cup last night.

Despite fielding a side with an average age of 18, the Gunners oozed class in despatching their Premier League rivals 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium - with 19-year-old Jay Simpson netting a brace.

Young reserve striker Carlos Vela scored the home side's other goal and Wenger said he "enjoyed every minute" of watching his young players against a senior Latics outfit.

"It was a big test for such a young team with many under-18 players involved," Wenger said.

"I believe we stood up to the test and it was a remarkable combination of desire, energy and quality.

"From the first to the last minute we looked up for it and were relentless in having a go at Wigan. In the end it was a fantastic win."

Despite reaching the business end of the competition after earning a spot in the quarter-final draw, Wenger is typically sticking to his guns over team selection and says he wants "to see how far they can go".

"I will keep them together," he explained.

"I see them in training and they are good but when you turn up against a Premier League side, that is a different challenge. Now I know they can turn up and produce."