The ominous news for the rest of English football is that the future looks bright for Arsenal.

With 10 regulars including their prized Dutch pair Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars missing, they made light work of dispatching opponents with one of the best home records in the country with a display that belied their inexperience. It was capped by a goal in each half before Dean Sturridge salvaged some home pride late in the game.

The entire Arsenal back five were granted a night off to rest their ageing limbs by the manager while the unlikely figure of Remi Garde was handed the captain's arm-band and Alberto Mendez was left to roam the territory usually frequented by Nicolas Anelka.

Any doubt about the capability of the new Highbury breed was dispelled within the opening 10 minutes. Twice the youthful visiting defence lifted their right arms in unison in Adamsesque fashion for the familiar appeal for offside; old habits die hard.

Jim Smith cannot afford to be so choosy with his team and with the exception of his injured absentees the Derby manager fielded a full-strength side which just about shaded the opening stages before conceding the sort of own-goal that will give Lee Carsley nightmares.

Stooping to meet Luis Boa Morte's 21st-minute corner, the hapless midfielder succeeded only in heading the ball beyond his own goalkeeper Mart Poom.

Derby were clearly rattled as the inexperienced visitors began to grow in confidence, Stephen Hughes becoming increasingly influential. Indeed, it was the home defence that looked newcomers at this level as Christopher Wreh, relishing his free role, was allowed to run un checked before sending a fierce right-foot effort fizzing wide.

The home side's problems continued to mount after the interval and after a brief flurry the wind was taken out of their sails when Francesco Baiano's close-range effort was ruled out for a marginal offside decision in the 53rd minute. Within 90 seconds Arsenal had doubled their lead to ensure their passage into the fourth round after profiting from another corner.

With the home defenders guilty of ball-watching, the unmarked Nelson Vivas reacted first to Mendez's delivery from the left to send a low header past Poom from eight yards.

Derby: Poom, Schnoor, Powell, Sturridge, Dorigo, Delap, Laursen, Prior (Elliot 69), Carsley, Burton (Harper 69), Baiano (Wanchope 69). Subs Not Used: Hoult, Carbonari. Goals: Sturridge 83.

Arsenal: Manninger, Vivas, Ljungberg, Wreh (Riza 90), Hughes, Grimandi, Garde, Upson (Crowe 78), Boa Morte, Grondin, Mendez. Subs Not Used: Cole, Lincoln, Taylor. Goals: Carsley 21 og, Vivas 55.

Referee: S Lodge (Barsnley).