Arsene Wenger claims Fran Merida’s performance for Arsenal, as they defeated Liverpool 2-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup, is the reason why he has such faith in his young guns.

The 19-year-old former Barcelona trainee looks like being the latest starlet to come off the Emirates Stadium production line after the fine first-half strike against Rafa Benitez’s Reds.

Emiliano Insua had equalised for Liverpool before the break but the Gunners’ 21-year-old elder statesman on the night, Nicklas Bendtner sent Arsenal through with a winning goal on 50 minutes.

The Gunners now go into Saturday’s all Premier League last-eight draw with Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Blackburn, Portsmouth and Aston Villa.

However it was Merida who caught the eye of Wenger after an impressive performance and showed why the French tactician opted not to send him to Levante on loan.

“Fran is a quality player,” said Wenger.”He comes from a very good school.

“I kept him because I felt he had the quality to break through, but when you look at all the players who did not play, of course the competition for players is very difficult.”

He added: “Fran came to us at a very young age, but our school is in line with the way he was educated.

“He suits perfectly the way we want to play football.”

Despite Merida’s good display it is likely he will not feature on Saturday lunch-time as Arsenal are (3/5 with Totesport) to win the north London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.

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