Wenger hopes young stars can shine at highest level

LONDON: Arsene Wenger predicted his crop of Arsenal youngsters would reach "the top level in the game" after they scalped Liverpool in the League Cup fourth round.

The Frenchman did not pick any of his regular Premier League starters for Wednesday's 2-1 victory against the Reds at the Emirates Stadium but it made little difference against opposition who also boasted an unfamiliar look.

Goals from Fran Merida and Nicklas Bendtner were enough to see off Liverpool, who had leveled through Emiliano Insua's excellent long-range volley but it was the composed and polished quality of his tyros' football which impressed Wenger.