Manager Arsène Wenger defended the decision to field a comparatively inexperienced side in the Worthington Cup fourth round game at Middlesbrough. Though the starting lineup included seven internationals, four youngsters made their senior debuts during the defeat, finally settled on penalties.

"I look at the way we played, the names do not matter," Wenger said. "It is the quality, the spirit, the commitment that make the team, names do not make a team. We missed out tonight because of the poor quality of the finishing, nothing else."

More Wenger quotes at the Sky Sports website.

See also match reports page