Beating Spurs is always a good thing but Thursday night's Youth Cup victory was particularly heartening - not only because ours were obviously the superior youngsters but as there look to be some potential gems coming through our ranks.

Without access to the no doubt high-quality channel that is Arsenal TV, it was a pleasant surprise to learn the game was live on Sentanta. Making it even more enjoyable was that the guy who, for me, was the best player on the pitch wasn't one of the typical Wengerian academy products full of touch, pace and technique, but the centre back Luke Ayling.

With his long sleeves pulled slightly up, his spot-on timing and comfort on the ball, it looked like a junior David O'Leary had once again donned the red and white. He never rushed in and his positioning was exemplary - the goal we conceded was nothing to do with him and he helped to set up our crucial second goal with a fine interception and foray up field. Regular watchers of the juniors will probably call it better than me, but he looks like a star in the making.

My other nominations for stand-out performers were the exotically named Emmanuel Frimpong who was neat and tidy in centre midfield and loved throwing himself into challenges; Tom Cruise (yes, he's Top Gun-ner...) at left back was assured; Ayling's centre back partner Kyle Bartley looked solid and the towering captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas showed some good touches although his size seems to give him such an advantage that you wonder whether he'll reach the same standard among the real big boys.

Then, of course, there is Jack Wilshere. Our much-vaunted wunderkid was generally quiet but the thing that sets him apart is his vision. There were countless times I was screaming 'pass!' when other players had possession around the box only to ignore their teammate's run and squander possession. I suspect the thing that sets apart the good attackers from the very good among juniors, and suggests whether they will go on to make it at the highest level, is if they can play that killer final ball rather than seek glory for themselves. Wilshere obviously possesses that ability and it's probably why he will be the only forward player who stands a chance of progressing to our first team.

Nonetheless, we've a lot to take heart from given the quality of our football. I can't imagine the youth team was this good back in 1995 as George Graham's era came to a halt - perhaps something Wenger's detractors should bear in mind.