"They kept us under pressure in the first half but in the second half we found openings and created some good chances. "I think the first goal was a great goal."
"They have talent and potential and can cope with big games, so there are lots of positives to take. They tried to play in the Arsenal way, always.
"Most of the time I was pleased with how we moved the ball and our movement. They lack experience and that is why this competition is great."
Kevin Keegan meanwhile was philosophical:
"We asked a few of the senior professionals to help the young players out tonight but in the end it was the kids helping them out - it was just a bad night. Everyone talks about the kids they have got but they were almost drawing confidence on the the back of us because so we were so inept.
"There were some very disappointing performances there from players in City shirts. We are struggling to find too many players who played at a level that is acceptable.
"I know we were playing Arsenal but we were not playing the Arsenal we played three weeks ago. I'm very disappointed tonight. We will go back to the drawing board. We have got to pick them up when they stop believing in themselves."