Beaten But Unbowed

An excellent performance from an extraordinary set of young Arsenal players ended in the unfortunate histrionics of three red cards and ultimately a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final.

But the memory that will linger from this match is how Theo Walcott opened his account for the Arsenal with an an unmistakeably Henry-esque touch, turn and finish provided from a Vieira-esque pass from the imperious (and for me, MoM) Vassirki Diaby.

The goal was such that Gooners could not see the strike as simply as giving the club a lead in a Carling Cup final but as statement of intent for the future. Winning was almost beside the point with Arsene Wenger fully trusting 10 outfield players with average of not quite 21 to face the Premiership Champions and attempt to match their Carling Cup exploits against West Brom, Everton, Liverpool and sp*rs.

And for the most of the match it seemed that they would.

The first period in particular was a thrilling glimpse into Arsene Wenger's crystal ball for the future of the club. Chelsea had no answer to the passing and movement of the ridiculously young Arsenal side. The vaunted Chelsea wingerless diamond began to stretch as Denilson (19), Fabregas (19), Diaby (20) and Walcott (17) ran riot with cute passing and attacking verve.

But a wide open Drogba struck against the run of play to even the score in spite of some protestations of off-side on the play (he was onside). And late in the match Drogba got the better of Senderos (again) to give Chelsea an unassailable lead... and victory.

And like the Champions League run of last year, this match capped an extraordinary run of results where football lessons have been learned and eye-catching football played. Ultimately, both competitions ended the same way. Defeat. So let us not for long bask in the warm glow of our lovely football nor in the vast array of precious young talents that Wenger has assembled. The next step is to push on and win these matches. Potential must become silverware. But for today let us rejoice in the future.

How thrilling it is.