Isn’t it about time Arsenal won the League Cup?

When Doncaster Rovers were drawn against us in the Carabao Cup, my mind drifted back to days when I used to play football. Of course, the Women’s game was far from being at the level it is now both in terms of the way clubs were run and the standard of football played. Yes, there were a large number of women who were clearly exceptional footballers but the opportunities simply weren’t there. Doncaster Belles, as they were known back then, were one of the teams most women footballers had heard of. There were others too but it wasn’t until the early 90’s that they were knocked off their perch. By Arsenal! The two would battle it out for the FA Cup and League over the following years…

Anyway, tonight we play the men’s side, Doncaster Rovers in what could potentially be a banana skin. Darren Ferguson is their manager but he’s hardly like his old man is he…..?

Back in 2005, it took penalties to separate the two sides in this competition but with the visitors having only won one of their eight fixtures so far this campaign surely penalties won’t be required tonight regardless of which team Arsene Wenger puts out. But that one victory, not including the Checkatrade Trophy, was in this Cup competition when they defeated Hull City 2-0.

I’ve no idea what Doncaster are about, other than who manages them and they’re in League One just above the relegation places. Cup competitions though can spring surprises. In a one off match against a Premier League club, lower league sides seem to raise their game. They’ll be up for this match, of that we can be sure.

I doubt many Arsenal fans will too fussed if we go out tonight but I will. Not because this competition should be a priority for the first team but it should for the younger and fringe players. It’s their chance to progress through and enjoy a match at Wembley early in 2018. Winning breeds winning regardless at what level sport is played. There’s nothing like winning a trophy to boost confidence regardless of what trophy that is. Just ask Mourinho, after all, his lot won this competition and then went onto win the European Cup.

Wenger on tonight’s team selection:

Yes [it will be a mix], but it will be a similar team to the one that played against Cologne.

Anyway, good luck to the boys whoever plays. Just a shame it’s not being televised but I guess that means the media don’t expect us to slip up….