Arsenal's young guns turn on the style in League Cup football

Arsene Wenger's young guns turned on the style again as Arsenal cruised into the League Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Wigan on Tuesday.

Wenger uses the competition as a finishing school for his most talented prodigies and they underlined the strength in depth at the Emirates Stadium with a breathtaking display.

The Gunners boss made 11 changes to the team that beat Manchester United at the weekend, but, not for the first time, it was Arsenal's rookies - with an average age of 19 - who dominated against more experienced opposition.

Teenage forward Jay Simpson, 19, scored twice on his full debut, while his Mexican strike-partner Carlos Vela, 19, added an impudent third to complete the rout.

Simpson opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a clinical finish from Jack Wilshere's defence-splitting pass.

His second goal arrived in the 66th minute as Vela sprinted clear of Emmerson Boyce and teed-up Simpson for a simple strike.

Vela got on the scoresheet himself four minutes later with a sublime chip from Johan Djourou's pass.

"I am very proud of the players and of the quality of the display," Wenger said.

"That's the most complete side of youngsters I have had, and with many good young English players.

"It's very good for the future of the club to see that it is in safe hands."

Manchester United squeezed into the last eight as a late penalty from Carlos Tevez snatched an unimpressive 1-0 win against QPR at Old Trafford.

Only Gary Neville, Anderson and Park Ji-Sung kept their places from Saturday's defeat as United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made eight changes and United looked disjointed as a result.

QPR frustrated the European champions in the first half and Czech keeper Radek Cerny had to make only one significant save to push away a Tevez strike.

South Korean midfielder Park hit the post in the second half before the breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute when Tevez slotted home a spot-kick after Peter Ramage fouled Danny Welbeck.

Samuel di Carmine thought he had equalised for the Championship team but his late effort was ruled out for offside.

Premier League Stoke continued their impressive form with a 2-0 win over League Two Rotherham at the Britannia Stadium to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 30 years.

Tony Pulis's side, unbeaten in three matches, took the lead through Glenn Whelan's superb free-kick in the 21st minute.

Rotherham had beaten three Championship sides in previous rounds but Danny Pugh ended their hopes of another giant-killing when he struck in the 59th minute.

Championship side Derby survived a second half barrage from Leeds to claim a 2-1 win.

Rams striker Emanuel Villa, who scored a hat-trick in the last round against Brighton, was back on the goal-trail in the sixth minute with a curling strike.

Paul Jewell's outfit increased their lead when Nathan Ellington slotted home from close-range in the 18th minute.

But in-form Argentine forward Luciano Becchio reduced the deficit in the 40th minute with a powerful header for his sixth goal in eight games.

Robert Snodgrass hit the bar in the second half as Leeds strived for an equaliser but Gary McAllister's team couldn't find a way through.

Watford got a measure of revenge over Swansea as Lee Williamson's goal secured a 1-0 win at the Liberty Stadium.

The Hornets had been beaten 3-1 at Swansea on Saturday but caretaker boss Malky Mackay savoured his first win since the departure of Adrian Boothroyd thanks to Williamson's excellent 21st minute strike.

Holders Tottenham host Liverpool on Wednesday, while Chelsea face Burnley and Sunderland meet Blackburn.