Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham (AET) With Video

Arsenal have squeezed through to the final of the Carling Cup - after having to go to extra-time before finally dealing to a dogged Spurs side.

While it's been a story of "Young Arsenal" throughout the preliminary rounds - it was a more senior team tonight - with only Thierry Henry given the night off (although that is a very LARGE only).

We had Gilberto back and Adebayor on up front - and this team dominated Spurs in the first half but were unable to make a breakthrough.

DENILSON IS CLASS ...
The standout player for me was the young Brazilian Denilson (18yo) who seemed inspired by playing alongside his world cup winning countryman and really dominated the show from start to finish.

WALCOTT IS .. WELL .. NOT
By comparison the English wonderkid Theo Walcott had another effort to forget, showing an appaulling touch on many occasions, and he was very wasteful with both passing and crossing. He may be fast - but he's constantly choosing to attempt balls that he doesn't have the skill to complete.

SCORELESS AT THE BREAK
Walcott was substituted in the 63rd minute for Tomas Rosicky and Arsenal instantly looked a much more dangerous outfit - and it was no surprise when Adebayor finally gave the Gunners a 1-0 lead in the 77th minute.



But Spurs boss Martin Jol reacted - bringing on the transfer-bound Mido who almost immediately popped up with a set-piece goal and it was 1-1 with 5 minutes left and extra-time loomed.

EXTRA TIME REQUIRED
But Arsenal were dominant now - with Cesc Febregas (who had replaced Diaby) and Denilson running the middle or the park and a goal just before the extra-time break from Aliadiere gave Arsenal an advantage that looked to be enough.



Spurs had top chase the game, and Arsenal's lead was extended 4 minutes later when a Rosicky shot went in off a post and the unlucky Tottenham defender Chimbonda ... and at 3-1 on the night the game was done.



Arsenal ended the night showboating with a display of possession and Tottenham were chasing shadows ... and not getting close.

Bizarrely Spurs fans started chanting "England, England, England ..." which seemed a little xenophobic and certainly made a rather weak point. (except perhaps that England don't win many trophies either?)

Arsenal through to the final then - to face Chelsea's expensively assembled squad of veterens ...
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THE KIDS ARE OK - BUT EXPERIENCE WAS NEEDED ...
All in all - an interesting encounter - and another derby win for Arsenal over Spurs - but despite the headlines it was NOT the kids who won the game as by the end of the match it was Silva, Denilson, Fabregas and Rosicky who were the difference - and three of that quartet are first choice players.

So I wonder if Arsene Wenger will play "the kids" or whether the team that finished at the end will be closer to the team that plays the last English trophy in Cardiff ?

We will see ...