Wenger hails Arsenal's young guns

Match report

Arsene Wenger hailed his Arsenal side after they beat Sheffield United in the FA Cup on penalties, despite missing a host of big-name players.

"An average Arsenal side would have lost," the Gunners boss said.

"It was a real hectic tie and Sheffield were magnificent. We needed not only to play well but to be mentally strong.

He also praised keeper Manuel Almunia: "He has shown the qualities we have seen from him in training. He has come back and shown who he really is."

Almunia was Arsenal's matchwinner, making two saves in the shoot-out to book a sixth-round tie at Bolton.

Home stopper Paddy Kenny also starred, despite carrying an injury.

"The young generation showed football qualities but also character - that is what is needed to make a career at our club," Wenger added.

"There were so many goal chances but no goals. It was a very good game despite there being no goals.

"Their keeper played fantastically well during the 120 minutes, but on the penalties he chose to go to the same side and after two or three penalties that helped us to take advantage.

I'm very proud of the lads. We had our chances and gave it our best shot Sheff Utd boss Neil Warnock

"They fought hard and they were always dangerous and you feel frustrated for them because it's hard to go out like they did in a penalty shoot-out.

"I'm not a fan of them but nobody has found a better way."

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock was full of praise for his side.

"It was a great advert for the FA Cup and I'm very proud of the lads. It was good to watch, we had our chances and gave it our best shot," he said.

"Other than some of the referee's decisions I don't have any gripes. This was like the old times back at Bramall Lane. It was a great night for us.

"Arsenal will not get a harder game for the rest of the season but it shows what tremendous character they've got - they hung in.

"They thought they'd dominate and we've come back, it was just a great game and fantastic to be involved in it."