Arsenal should take the Capital One Cup seriously (Video)

It’s fair to say that Arsenal’s start to the season has been far more positive than last year. After five Premier League games, the Gunners have conceded just two goals, compared to the 14 they had already shipped by the same point last season. The promotion of Steve Bould to assistant manager appears to have worked wonders, with the back-line sturdier as a result of is influence.

Furthermore, the same attacking verve that made Arsenal such an attractive team to watch hasn’t deserted them. This was evident during Wednesday night’s 6-1 trouncing of Coventry City in the third round of the Capital One Cup. The Gunners comfortably brushed their League One counterparts to one side, setting up a fourth round tie with Reading.

Much has been made about Arsenal’s failure to land silverware since the FA Cup in 2005, with the baron run a particular joke for Tottenham Hotspur fans. The Gunners came close to lifting the trophy back in 2011, but a late Obafemi Martins winner ensured the run kept going until the present day.

In previous years, the Capital One Cup, previously the Carling Cup, has been the butt of many jokes, with fans often labelling the competition ‘the Micky Mouse cup’ due to its insignificance in comparison to the FA Cup. However, when looking at the last four winners, Spurs, Manchester United twice and Liverpool, it is clear to see that teams are taking the competition seriously, regardless of the teams fielded in the early stages.

Arsenal are desperate to end their seven-year wait for silverware, eight by the time May rolls around. The Capital One Cup is a chance to end this dry run and with Chelsea and United to take each other on at the last 16 stage; this season is as good a chance as any to land their first trophy since they defeated Manchester United on penalties in 2005.