Quick update on the Arsenal players involved over the past few days of internationals.

Theo Walcott scored another lovely, Thierry Henry-esque goal for the England Under 21's. He's been doing well for them for sometime now, especially on the goalscoring front (he had an average game today), and let's hope he can shift this form over to his club games:

Things are not going so well for his teammate Mathieu Flamini however. Having finally broken into the France squad with his super performances for Arsenal this season, Mathieu picked up an ankle injury while playing for France's 2nd team against Congo today. It was a pretty under-the-radar friendly, and an odd one, since France are also playing Spain on Wednesday. They somehow contrived to do 2 friendlies this week - with Clichy, Sagna, Flamini and Diaby playing against the Congo, whilst Gallas is in the squad that will play France. Anyhow, let's hope it's not a serious injury, because he's one of the main reasons why the team is ticking.

And lastly, just a word for the much-maligned Alex Song. Even though he's played most of his games for us at centre-back this season, he remains a contender for the midfield role, especially after Lasagne Diarrhea's departure to Portsmouth. His performances at the African Cup of Nations have been excellent in that role, and he provided yet another assist, clipping a ball over the defence for Mbia to head home the opening goal against Tunisia. He came on as a sub in the first game, immediately had an impact, and hasn't looked back since.

I know most Arsenal fans verge on hating him (probably because of the work of a few irate bloggers, rather than too much wrongdoing on his part), but he does have a lot of talent, and he might come back a changed man from this ACN. I remember Manu Eboue returning from the one in 2006 after having had a shifty season until then, and he was a changed footballers on his return, and one of our best players in our adventure to the Champions League final. 

Well, what a bloody odd game... 6-3 at Anfield, who would have thunk it? That's Arsenal's third win against them this season, and they've won 3-0, 3-1 and 6-3 (12-4 in total!). I remember people saying early on how Liverpool were going to be the top challengers to Chelsea this season (I must admit I thought this too), but they have been quite miserable.

The much-maligned Alex Song was largely excellent scoring a (fluky) goal and pulling the strings in midfield.

Julio Baptista has said he wants to score goals, and well.. he did. 4 for the Beast today, including a peach of a free kick from Thierry Henry territory. He also missed a penalty.

And let's not forgoet Jeremie Aliadiadieriarediere, who scored the opener, and provided the assists for all of the Beast's goals from open play.

What a weird game. You rarely expect to go to Anfield and have an easy time of anything, but to go there under these circumstances and be 4-1 up at the half, it was quite unbelievable.

For starters, the Arse beat them 3-1 on Saturday in the FA Cup at Anfield, a result that was great enough in itself given what a fortress Anfield is, and how many troubles Arsenal have had there in recent years (2 losses in the two previous Benitez seasons, and just 2 wins in all Arsene Wenger's years at the club prior to that.. one coming in the 2001/02 double-winning season, and the other in 2003/04 unbeaten season). So you'd think firstly that the 'Pool would be out for revenge. To compound that, given their form in the league, the Carling Cup was now their only chance of domestic success, so one assumed that they would be going for the win. In fact, when this fixture was originally scheduled and then abandoned due to fog in December, Liverpool had name a full strength side, but yesterday they had a mismatch of players on there, with a lot of their stars rested. And lastly, treating the competition how he does - as experience for the kids, Arsene Wenger put out his usual Carling Cup reserve/youth side. So all-in-all, there really should have been no excuse not to win for Liverpool, but they were torn to shreds.

Arsenal were sensational going forward with their movement and quick passing, but Liverpool didn't help with shambolic teamwork. Just as he did for Rosicky's second goal on Saturday, Gerrard failed to make anything close to resembling a tackle on Julio Baptista for the Beast's hattrick goal. Stevie G did hit back with one of his stunning volleys (5-2), and then obviously over-the-hill Hyypia headed a 3rd from an excellent cross by the otherwise useless Palletta.

Tough stuff for the Kopites, especially with Mark Gonzalez getting injured after trying to tackle Theo Walcott early on, and then his replacement Luis Garcia damaging his anterior cruciate ligaments in a 50-50 challenge with Justin Hoyte. Poor Garcia is now out for the season, and Liverpool will definitely be looking for reinforcements in the transfer window.

For Arsenal, a great vindication of Arsene Wenger's youth policy. Apart from reserve goalkeeper Almunia who was 28 (and has been EXCELLENT in his three games against Liverpool this year, perhaps he'll play on Saturday?), no other outfield player was over 25. The team sheet read like this:

Hoyte(21) Toure(25) Djourou(19) Traore(17)

Walcott(17) Fabregas(19) Song(19) Denilson(18)

Baptista(25) Aliadiere(23)

That is pretty special I have to say, and then key thing is that 2 or 3 of these teenagers are already established first-teamers. I know it's a cliche, and that it keeps getting said, but just wait a few years... to have monstrously talented players playing together and getting top-level experience from such a young-age... only the best can come out of it. We just have to hope that we can keep the team together, stay injury free, and sign the right blend of experience and youth when we need to.

YouTube Highlights are below:
0-1: Jeremie Aliadiere
1-2: Julio Baptista
1-3: Alex Song
1-4: Julio Baptista
1-5: Julio Baptista
3-6: Julio Baptista

Have to say it again, Aliadiere really was tremendous yesterday, he looked sharp, strong and full of running and invention. This is his last chance at Arsenal, and hopefully he can take it.