The average age of the Gunners side on Tuesday was just 19, but they gave the far more experienced Latics a footballing lesson on their way to a sparkling 3-0 win.

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 on November 1.

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

"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."

Wenger is wary of fifth-placed Villa, who he believes are one of several sides capable of breaking into the top four.

Martin O'Neill's team go into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats in the league, while the Gunners are on a high after getting their season back on track last weekend following the defeat to Stoke and a last-gasp 4-4 draw with Tottenham.

"They are physically strong and technically efficient," Wenger said of Villa. "They have a lot of pace and can adjust their style. They can play in the air and on the ground.

"They look good. I wouldn't rule out some other teams like Spurs, Manchester City, Newcastle maybe and Hull who have broken in.

"It's very, very open now. It's tougher this year and more interesting, and it looks like anyone can drop points, which is good for us."

He added: "It's a massive game - a big, big test after the United game. We've built up belief and this game will give us a big answer."

Meanwhile, across London, title rivals Chelsea have been rocked by a Football Association charge of violent conduct against striker Didier Drogba, who threw back a coin into the crowd in the midweek defeat to Burnley.

Wenger believes Drogba is a "fair player" who is often targeted, and called for unruly supporters to be punished for their part in such incidents.

"He had a moment of non-controlled reaction and he apologised," said Wenger.

"He will be punished but he is a fair player. People who insult from the stands or throw things are not punished. They need to be isolated because they can injure people on the pitch.

"Players need to keep control and stay calm, and so should fans. As a player or coach, nine out of 10 times you stay calm, but the time you don't is always punished.

"Drogba has been targeted many times and perhaps he's more sensitive at the moment and that explains his response.