Senderos leads young Gunners against Newcastle

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gave youth a chance to impress in tonight’s Carling Cup third-round tie against Newcastle at Emirates Stadium.

Pole Lukasz Fabianski started in goal, while Lassana Diarra, signed from Chelsea, Brazilian teenager Denilson and England Under-21 star Theo Walcott also made the side.

Emmanuel Eboue returned from an ankle problem, with Philippe Senderos named captain. Young Dane Nicklas Bendtner joined Eduardo in attack.

Newcastle were without Michael Owen, who is reported to be out of the forthcoming England Euro 2008 qualifiers because of a groin problem.

Alan Smith captained the side, which also included some fringe players.

Despite the travel chaos on the London Underground network this evening, the match – a sell-out – kicked off on time.

Arsenal: Fabianski, Justin Hoyte, Eboue, Senderos, Traore, Diarra, Denilson, Song Billong, Walcott, Bendtner, Eduardo.

Subs: Mannone, Diaby, Lansbury, Gavin Hoyte, Perez.

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Taylor, Rozehnal, Jose Enrique, Milner, Smith, Faye, N’Zogbia, Ameobi, Martins.

Subs: Forster, Emre, Geremi, Butt, Edgar.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)