The average age of the Gunners side that beat Wigan Athletic 3-0 in the Carling Cup on Tuesday was just 19, but they gave the far more experienced Latics a footballing lesson.

The impressive performances of midfielder Jack Wilshere, plus strikers Jay Simpson, who scored twice, and Carlos Vela, coupled with last weekend's league win over champions Manchester United, has lifted spirits at Arsenal whose season looked to be unravelling just a week ago following defeat to Stoke City on 1st November.

Wenger is unlikely to retain any of his youngsters for Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at home to Aston Villa, but is confident a number of players have promising futures at the club.

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"If you ask me how many will play in the Premier League I would say about seven or eight," said Wenger.

"If you look at the team which played in the Carling Cup two years ago we had four midfielders who played against Manchester United two years later.

"We have a good idea about potential of players. Don't forget we also have (Lukasz) Fabianksi, (Alexandre) Song, (Johan) Djourou who are ready to play. (Gavin) Hoyte and (Kieran) Gibbs both have a future, so too Wilshere, and Simpson is a typical goalscorer.

"They are not ready to play week in, week out. When you look at level of competition the demand is too high.

"I have to protect their potential. They are developing and they will be ready if they continue the good work and if they have good attitude."