Arsene Wenger has fired a broadside at his faltering Arsenal defence – and described tonight’s Carling Cup clash with Shrewsbury as a pivotal moment in their season.

But Wenger still plans to field a youthful line-up alongside some older heads in tonight’s Emirates third round showdown with Graham Turner’s in-form side.

After a poor start to the campaign, Wenger is facing the stiffest test of his 15-year-reign and is without a trophy since the Gunners won the FA Cup in 2005.

Much of the attention is on Arsenal’s leaky defence, who have shipped 12 goals in their last three domestic outings – including a humiliating 8-2 defeat at Manchester United before losing 4-3 at Blackburn on Saturday.

Asked what lay behind the defensive insecurity Wenger said: “A lack of concentration, a lack of communication, a lack of co-ordination and individual urgency.

“Our season depends now on how well we respond to this disappointment and how quickly we can cut out the mistakes.”

“But I want to focus on the positives because there is huge potential in this team.”

Wenger confirmed he will give a debut to Korean striker Park Ju Young while Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi and fellow 18-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can also expect to start.

The more experienced players likely to feature include £6m defensive recruit Andre Santos and striker Marouane Chamakh.

Emmanuel Frimpong, Carl Jenkinson and Francis Coquelin – who have all featured in Premier and Champions League encounter this term – may also start .