Arsene Wenger has likened his young
charges to those contestants that subject themselves to the talent
show X-Factor, after confessing to being a fan of Simon
Cowell.
On the surface there may appear to be few parallels between the
modest and studious Wenger and the more abrasive Cowell but
Arsenal's French tactician believes otherwise.
Wenger is of the opinion that both are willing to offer previously
unearthed talent the chance to shine on the biggest stage, with his
band of starlets having stolen the plaudits this season in reaching
the Carling Cup final.
"You have singers going on X-Factor, where talents are discovered
which nobody knew about," said Wenger.
"I like it because it shows people who are brave enough to come out
and who want to achieve something in their lives. They have a
target.
"People who turn up and are ready to fight for something, like our
young players, I like.
"Ours is the X-Factor Academy!"
The manner in which Arsenal have played with such abandon and
attacking verve has delighted Wenger and he is confident that they
will not let themselves down in Sunday's showpiece against
Chelsea.
"Hopefully, we will play with complete freedom as well as we can,"
he added. "Then it will be very difficult for them.
"We battled very hard to be in this final and it would be reward
for this team, which has come up to every challenge.
"It was not easy."