West Brom 0 Arsenal 2

Arsenal's youthful Carling Cup side cruised through to the last 16 of the League Cup on Tuesday at the expense of a an experienced West Brom courtesy of a brace from young striker Jeremie Aliedierre.The 23 year old forward gave manager Arsene Wenger something to ponder about as he displayed the type of finishing which attracted Wenger to him as a 16 year old in 1999.

Theo Walcott made his 2nd start of the season and terrified the West Brom defence from time to time.Aliedierre converted a self made first half penalty that his overall play richly deserved.Brazilian youngster Denilson looked promising in midfield as Arsene Wenger fielded a team with 3 players younger even than Walcott.

Arsenal played with a level of confidence that seemed supernatural given the average age of the squad.Aliedierre at 23 was the oldest outfield player and he rightly took responsibility when Emmanuele Adebayor was forced to leave the field with a thigh injury.He cooly converted a smart free-kick from Walcott to cap a dominant display from the away team.

It would'nt be an overstatement to say that the 2-0 scoreline flattered West Brom somewhat.They were thoroughly outplayed by their youthful but enterprising opponents.

The defensive duo of Phillipe Senderos and Gael Clichy came through their first game back from injury with flying colours.They will add much needed depth to a lineup growing in confidence with each morale boosting victory.Certainly Arsenal can do with the services of 21 year old left-back,Clichy,to give a better balance to the whole squad and add another dimension to the team going forward.

Arsene Wenger is confident that his team can conquer on all fronts this season.On the evidence of their midweek dismantling of West Brom he seems to be a wise man for believing his own hype.