Here’s what I believe would be Arsenal’s first choice line-up if everyone was fit. Lehmann – Eboue – Toure – Gallas – Clichy – Hleb – Fabregas – Gilberto – Rosicky – Henry – Adebayor/Van Persie. For Tottenham’s benefit, let’s say Adebayor would get the nod over Van Persie. So, three of the regulars started last night in the semi-final second leg. Two began the first leg. On Tottenham’s side, three first choicers were injured for the return, although two of those did start the previous mid-week.

There was no question that the Gunners were the better team over the two legs. Some of the possession football they played during extra time at Ashburton must have been like Chinese water torture for the visiting supporters. I’d imagine the toilets in the away section (traditionally smashed to pieces during the visit of those from the Lane) were in a similar state to the psychological state of Spurs fans after the game..

But the most chilling message of all for our neighbours is that Arsenal’s second stringers, the ‘B’ team as Sky Sports labelled them, is unquestionably superior to Tottenham’s first choice eleven. The football played by the two sides last night unquestionably established that. Spurs had one shot on target up to the moment Arsenal went 2-1 up. The Gunners controlled the game for long periods, and overall seemed to offer greater threat.

One senses the power balance in north London may never again fluctuate, because of the way the game has changed. Quite simply, Spurs chances of catching up now look remote, due to the financial circumstances of the two clubs. Once Arsene Wenger departs, Arsenal’s spending capability will always be significantly greater, and they will continue to recruit a better quality of player than Tottenham can afford. That hasn’t been the case up to now. Spurs have a greater net spend than Arsenal during the Wenger era. But the future will see that change, as the earning capability of London’s most successful club will always be significantly greater due to the stadium move. Spurs are stranded at the Lane and even an unlikely run of success will see their ability to cash in capped by their environment, as Arsenal’s was at Highbury.

And the squabbling over the admission charges for the second leg revealed the plight Tottenham are in. Arsenal could afford to charge £40 upstairs and £30 downstairs, but Spurs, eyeing the profit, were having none of it and cried to the Football League. There were a lot of season ticket holders who did not buy their tickets for the game last night, and on this basis, I honestly did not believe the game would sell out. Arsenal’s red members proved me wrong in their willingness to pay for the expensive tickets upstairs to back the reserves and all credit to them. I doubt anyone felt as if they had not received their money’s worth. Watching the Spurs section empty during extra time was worth the admission price alone.

On the playing side, there is undoubted talent ready to step into the first team. Traore, Denilson and Diaby all look quality. Theo is frankly appearing a bit of a questionable buy at the moment as there seems little in the way of belief there. Arsenal were so good last night that they were able to carry him until he was replaced by Rosicky. He needs a couple more years, but he is only 17. Not everyone can be as good as Cesc at that age.

The youngsters are the way Wenger has decided to build his squad and although he himself admits their gaining experience costs points, I feel it will be worth the sacrifice. Critically, these youngsters have played a full part in getting the club to Cardiff and beating West Brom, Everton and Liverpool on the road before dismissing Spurs over two legs will have hastened their development without denting the Premiership points tally. They can now be used in league matches, here and there, without significantly weakening the side. That wasn’t the case last season as the tally of away defeats showed all too clearly.

But wins breed confidence, and even avoiding defeat is character building if the team has to come from behind. I do not have great hopes about beating Bolton in the FA Cup replay, not least because Arsene does not want the distraction of the tournament once the Champions League gets going again. But I am more optimistic about Arsenal’s chances there than I would have been in December. As for Cardiff, Wenger will put out a mix and match team v Chelsea and there will be no disgrace in losing to Mourinho’s millionaires. And also just the slightest possibility that the underdogs could actually win the thing, if only because of the element of surprise. That would be as humiliating for Abramovich as the defeat of Spurs is to all at the Lane. It’s a long shot, but you never know. Best thing about it is that, knowing we will be backing a deliberately understrength team, it’s a no lose situation. We can enjoy a Cardiff final for once instead of feeling any stress about it. The bookies are giving 11/10 on Arsenal lifting the trophy (Chelsea 4/6) and Howard Webb will be the ref. Maybe they are worried Arsene will put a huge bet on and come the day he’ll play Thierry Henry! It’ll be Aliadiere and the Beast up front. Bring it on!