He viewed it at best as a chance to give his young reserves experience against top-class opposition and his Premier League stars a welcome break. He once even joked that there would be no victory parade if Arsenal won the competition.

Suddenly, however, the Carling Cup final against Birmingham at Wembley on February 27 has become arguably one of the most important matches in Wenger's 15-year reign at Arsenal.

Not as glamorous, but more important perhaps even than the Champions League last-16 return leg against Barcelona nine days later.

Wenger needs a trophy. It has been almost six years since his side lifted their last piece of silverware, the 2005 FA Cup.

The frustration has been building at the Emirates, evidence of which can be seen on online forums where Wenger's continual refusal to spend big has been openly criticised by Arsenal supporters.

The Carling Cup would not satisfy the hunger once more to compete with Manchester United in the Premier League, but it is what it might lead to that is crucial.

Wenger has admitted as much. "The Carling Cup is very important because it could be the first step on the start of something," he said. "The Carling Cup is a trophy that we want to win."

The penny has tumbled with Wenger that winning one trophy has a direct correlation to winning your next trophy.

When Manchester United were in transition after the departure of Roy Keane and David Beckham it was the Carling Cup in 2006 which set them on the way again to winning the Premier League in 2007 and the Champions League the following season.

Jose Mourinho played full strength Chelsea sides in the competition, which was his first success in England and led to back-to-back Premier League titles.

And where did Tottenham's current success begin? With back-to-back Carling Cup finals, defeating Chelsea in 2008 and losing to Manchester United the following year.

In the past six years the trophy has been won by three clubs only - Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham - proof positive that the big boys rate the competition at last.

It is difficult to see beyond Arsenal joining that elite band against a Birmingham side whose resolute qualities are not in doubt, but who lack the finesse for the big occasion.

Right now Wenger's side simply ooze class with the pace of Theo Walcott, the nous of Samir Nasri, the devastating finishing of Robin van Persie and a bench which can turn to Andrey Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner.

The blossoming of 19-year-old Jack Wilshere alongside Cesc Fabregas in midfield has given the Gunners an added potency, and while the defence at times still looks fragile, at last they have settled on a seemingly reliable young goalkeeper in Wojciech Szczesny.

In a game of open, flowing football, there is only one winner. But Birmingham will not go to Wembley to try to play like Barcelona.

They will go to defend and frustrate. They will concentrate on disrupting Arsenal's rhythm and Liam Ridgewell and Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer are adept at snapping at the heels of more talented opponents.

Birmingham are not prolific goal scorers but they do have a willing runner with pace and power in Cameron Jerome and a real weapon in 6ft 7in Serbian striker Nikola Zigic, a man who will test Arsenal's defence, especially at set-pieces.

They have a chance, but for football's sake the neutrals will be hoping for an Arsenal victory.

Wenger's steadfast refusal to trade his principles of attacking, flowing football for a more pragmatic approach has been one of the most uplifting aspects of the Premier League over the past decade.

He has been criticised for not adding more steel. His side has been dismissed as lightweight.

But the top Gunner has stuck to his guns and is within 90 minutes of winning a trophy which would be a validation of football at its most beautiful.

Quite possibly, it could also be the start of something special.