It is of course true, but what mustn't be forgotten is that, they were still a very experienced 1st division team who recently got draws at Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest.
I really believe this was a fantastic experience for the young players who can benefit a lot more from such matches, such drama than beating another team 5 or 6 nil.
It's a shame that the more experience players mainly Kanu and Wiltord did not perform on the night, but perhaps this made the game more evenly match and therefore more exciting. Wiltord is definitely going through a very poor patch and I hope people will not get on his back, like that idiot who was seating in front of me and calling most of the players rubbish, every time they made a mistake. I expected a lot more from Kanu, especially as he was made the captain but he wasn't setting an example. I thought that apart from a couple of times when Cygan was beaten by pace, he had an excellent game and his distribution was superb. It was also good to se him take one of the first 5 penalties with such confidence. We need payers like him in the squad, he has now settled down and I believe that he can do a good job in the first team provided he isn't marking someone like Henry or Owen.
As for the youngsters, it was a great night and I hope that they get another easy match (I bet you we get Chelsea away) in the next round so as to get more valuable experience. He are my rating for the young players:
Graham Stack - Made some excellent saves to stop Rotherham from equalising earlier, had no chance with the goal and seems very assured. 8/10
Justin Hoyte - Excellent debut, pacy and looked really comfortable with the ball. I would have no hesitation in playing him in the first team if there were injuries but I guess Volz deserves that more. 8/10
Gael Clichy - He started well but I thought he had an excellent 2nd half. There is no doubt in my mind that Cole's position is now covered because this guy is class. I just hope that he gets a few more first team opportunities to give him that required experience that is needed for the first team – 8.5 /10
Stathis Tavlaridis – Very composed defender, went in hard when necessary and always looking for a good pass. Will he make it to the first team? I am not sure because I need to see him have 3-4 first teams games and see how deals with it. He played well last night but has been at the club for 2-3 years without much progress. Unlucky that he hasn't been given a chance so we will have to wait and see, especially with so many centre halves around at this moment. - 7.5/10
Jerome Thomas – has blinding pace and did well in patches. Very skilful but I need to see more of him before I can make a judgement. 7/10
Francesc Fabregas – Cesc is the youngest player ever to play for Arsenal but definitely a player with great potential. What impressed me about him was his movement off the ball which always made him available to receive the ball and then look for the long diagonal pass as well a simple two yard pass. It didn't always come off but when you consider that he had only signed his 6-year contract last Friday, then I would imagine that he is short of match practice and sharpness. Looked really tired in the 2nd half but I can't wait to see this guy in the next round when he has gained some match fitness. 7.5/10
Jeremie Aiadiere – He was my man of the match without any doubt. Scored the goal and very unlucky not to score another in the 2nd half. What really impressed me however, was his non-stop running for the whole match which hopefully Wiltord and Kanu had noted, and his overall ball control. He is neither a Henry or Anelka because he hasn't got their pace but he is a clever player and knows where the goal is. 9/10.