Wenger - We have so much quality up front

By Chris Harris

Arsenal's embarrassment of riches up front means there is even competition for places in their Carling Cup attack.

It's not so long since some Arsenal fans clamoured for a new striker at Emirates Stadium but this season has shown why Arsène Wenger decided not to reinforce his strikeforce.

While Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner have shared the load in the Premier League and Champions League, Bendtner and Carlos Vela led the line in the Third Round of the Carling Cup before Jay Simpson staked his claim with a brace in the Fourth-Round win over Wigan.

Eduardo's imminent return from injury, plus the steady progress of Rui Fonte, gives Wenger even more options. Ahead of tonight's Quarter-Final at Burnley, the Frenchman waxed lyrical over the depth of attacking talent at the Club.

"Jay Simpson has improved a lot," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online. "His main strength is good runs around the box and he is a good finisher.

"We have a choice up front because there is Nicklas Bendtner, Vela, Simpson, Rui Fonte, so there is a good fight for places in there. That is why, even in the Carling Cup, if you want to be in the team you have to fight.

"You will see Vela [on Tuesday night]. I played him against Dynamo Kyiv because he is doing well. Vela will play in big, important games. I have no reluctance to play him. Dynamo Kyiv was a massive game for us and I played him."

[Tuesday, December 02, 2008]

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