Oxlade-Chamberlain shines as Arsenal lose

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain once again showed just why he is so highly thought of among the Arsenal coaching staff, the youngster producing an impressive display in the narrow Carling Cup defeat to Manchester City. The teenager was one of the few bright-sparks in a disappointing night for the Gunners, who will now miss out on a realistic chance of ending their trophy drought, Oxlade-Chamberlain looking lively and dangerous throughout the match. Anyone placing a Carling Cup bet would have been impressed.

In a rare start in the Arsenal first-team, the former Southampton trainee enhanced his growing reputation with a stand-out display for the hosts. While the Gunners' manager was rightly disappointed to see his young team dumped out of the tournament, the Frenchman was quick to pour praise on Oxlade-Chamberlain for his thoroughly mature performance. Fans of Carling Cup betting should remember this.

"Chamberlain had an excellent performance," said Wenger.

"There is a big talent there, it looks as well as though he is not fazed by the occasion and can take the pressure he was under tonight."

"How much he wants it can decide how far he can go, the potential is there."

It remains to be seen whether this performance will see Oxlade-Chamberlain start to push for a regular inclusion in the Arsenal first-team. If the youngster can continue to take his chances to impress when called upon, then he'll make it hard for his manager to overlook him.