Youngster Cesc becomes Gunners' youngest
Spanish Under-17 international Francesc Fabregas, known as Cesc, tonight became the youngest player to represent Arsenal in his side’s Carling Cup third round tie at home to Rotherham.
Cesc made his senior Arsenal debut at the age of just 16 years and 177 days, beating the existing record held by Jermaine Pennant, who was 16 years and 319 days when he similarly made his Arsenal bow in the same competition.
Cesc was signed from Barcelona this summer, much to the annoyance of the Spanish club and in much the same manner as Nicolas Anelka was lured from Paris St Germain as a teenager.
Although Sylvain Wiltord, Kanu, Edu and Pascal Cygan were also included in the starting line-up at Highbury, it was a largely inexperienced Arsenal side on display.
With all of those who started Sunday’s Barclaycard Premiership game at Charlton being rested, Cesc was therefore one of four players making their first senior appearance for the club.
Rotherham fielded a far more recognised line-up as they looked to reach the competition’s fourth round for the second consecutive season, having beaten Carlisle, Wolves and Wimbledon before losing to holders Blackburn 4-0 last season.
This time around, Ronnie Moore’s Nationwide First Division side had defeated York and Colchester on their way to this third round tie at Highbury.
