With Derby beaten 0-2 by Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and Sunderland made it back to the Premiership.
Arsenal fans will see a whole group of young Gunners back in the top flight. The future is bright for Fabrice Muamba, Nicklas Bendtner, and Sebastian Larsson who form the nucleus of the Birmingham attack. Larsson, a talented midfielder signed on with Birmingham after his traineeship period with Arsenal. Bendtner and Muamba are loaners from Arsenal.
At Sunderland, Anthony Stokes has noticeably cooled off from his red hot Falkirk debut managing only one goal in 13 appearances.
Arturo Lupoli signed on with Fiorentina in February 2007 but continues to play for Derby till the end of the season as is Kerrea Gilbert with Cardiff City.
Stats on Fabrice Muamba, Nicklas Bendtner, Anthony Stokes, Sebastian Larsson, and Arturo Lupoli.
The Arsenal side is packed with talent and it might be difficult for Bendtner and Muamba to get regular first squad duty. Bendtner is the player with the best chance as he is a physically imposing player, very quick on his feet, and can play equally well in both halves.
Check out the Arsenal side that won against WBA in the Carling Cup QF.
Arsenal (4-4-2): Almunia; Connolly, Senderos, Djourou, Clichy; Walcott, Song, Denilson, Flamini; Adebayor (Traoré, 24), Aliadière. Substitutes not used: Poom (gk), O’Cearuill, Randall, Simpson.
The oldest is Almunia at 29. Aladiere is 23 and so is Adebayor. Djorou 20. Denilson 19, Connolly 19, Song 19, Walcott 18, and Traore 17. The average age 21 years.
No wonder Stan Kroenke’s buyout is not flying with the Arsenal board.