With Arsenal's injury problems continuing, he started in Arsenal's FA Cup win over Cardiff City on 7 January 2006, in which he was noted for his pace, which was the start of a six-match run of appearances. He made his Premier League debut on 21 January 2006 in a 1–0 away loss at Everton and played in both legs of Arsenal's League Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic, in which he contributed to the first Arsenal goal by crossing to Thierry Henry, who headed home; Arsenal lost the tie on away goals after drawing 2–2.