Not naming Henry even as substitute looked a bit risky, not more so than when they equalised with their first attempt on target in the 85th minute.
However, our kids proved, once again, how far they have come with a dominant extra 30 minutes to book a thoroughly deserved beer cup final appearance against the circus.
If any team deserves to have their name on this cup it is our kids who have had the toughest route you can imagine, whatever happens our future looks very promising indeed.
Almunia - 7 - Handling was excellent, kicking was good & nothing he could do about the goal.
Hoyte - 7 - Justin did well with a mature performance.
Toure - 8 - Set a fine example at the back & lost very little, as usual he got forward when he could.
Senderos - 7 - A brave performance by big Phil, he may not have the most delicate of touches but he won the ball in the air on numerous occasions & had Keane in his pocket all night.
Traore - 6 - Got caught out in dangerous positions on a few occasions, definitely has talent & this will have been another good learning process for him. (Clichy 63)
Walcott - 6 - Theo caused them lots of problems down their left flank but his final ball & decision making was pretty poor for much of the game, another that with time will be some player. (Rosicky 63)
Denilson - 9 - A magician, he has it all tenacious, good balance, nice touch, an eye for goal, a real gem.
Gilberto - 7 - Not one of his better games, some of his passing was wayward at times but his experience was vital alongside Denilson.
Diaby - 8 - Really getting back into the groove, beat players, used the ball well & got some decent tackles in, just like Paddy! (Fabregas 79)
Aliadiere - 7 - Continued his fine scoring record in this competition with a neat turn & powerful near post drive for our vital second in extra time, worked hard & made some good runs off the ball.
Adebayor - 7 - Took his goal calmly after lovely play with Rosicky, held the ball up well & worked hard all night, another who is showing game by game improvement. One slight frustration I have with him is that he shows too much of the ball at times & got caught offside unnecessarily on a few occasions, but an important part of the team.
Subs
Clichy - 7 - (63) An excellent performance defensively & got forward as much as possible, he really has come in to his own recently, looks quality.
Rosicky - 8 - (63) Would have been a 9 if he was on for longer. His appearance made a huge difference to the team & gave us a lift. He caused them all sorts of problems set up Adebayor for his goal & some lovely work late on saw his shot cannon off the post & over the line via Chimbonda to seal our win.
Fabregas - 7 - (79) Bought much needed calm & fresh legs to the midfield. Some great passing, vision & tackling proved yet again why he is one of the best young midfielders in Europe.
Subs Not Used: Poom, Flamini