Duo send Gunners through

Nicklas Bendtner's bullet header and a superb effort from Denilson sent Arsenal's young Gunners into the fourth round of the Carling Cup with a 2-0 win over Newcastle at Emirates Stadium.

Both sides had made several changes for the match, and it was the hosts who looked more settled.

After an entertaining game with several chances at both ends, Bendtner powered in a late header, before captain Philippe Senderos had to clear off the line and Denilson made sure with a fine 20-yard strike.

Arsenal had severely reduced ticket prices to ensure a bumper attendance for the game. However, there were plenty of empty seats once the action got under way, which was not surprising given the pre-match travel problems around north London on the Underground.

The hosts started brightly, with Eduardo - the Croatian international signed during the summer - causing problems down the right.

It was, though, Newcastle who created the first decent opening on 10 minutes, Sanchez Jose Enrique sent over a deep cross from the left towards the far post.

Obafemi Martins got up above the defence and headed the ball downwards, but Pole Lukasz Fabianski - on his debut - produced a fine low reaction save.

After dominating for long spells, the breakthrough eventually came when Bendtner powered in his first senior Arsenal goal on 83 minutes from Armand Traore's deep cross.

The result was then put beyond any doubt when Denilson rifled in a superb 20-yard effort with a minute to go.

Few sides will now fancy meeting the young Gunners in the fourth round and with Arsenal currently top of the Barclays Premier League, the foundations are in place for what could be a vintage season to remember.