In front of 80,000 mostly Arsenal fans, Reiss Nelson (17), Joe Willock (19) and Cohen Bramall (20) were amongst the standouts and at times outshone more established stars like Danny Wellbeck, Theo Wallcott and Mesut Ozil.

From the opening whistle Nelson caused havoc having down the right wing with incisive runs that caused Sydney FC defenders constant problems.

Willock was finding space between the lines and a mazy dribble down the middle in the 42nd minute was an example of his skill and artistry during the night.

While Bramall, who played out on the left, put in a consistent display with few errors and produced a number of penetrating runs that showed off his lightning pace.

Thursday night action

Speaking to the media after the game Wenger noted that English football has a bright future

“In England people are worried but if you look at the results of the youth teams in the summer and the players you saw tonight the future is much more positive than people expected in England,” he said.

“All of them did well and in the first half they were excellent. If you look at how they played they had a very strong performance so that’s very promising."

Earlier this this year Bramall was playing for non-league Hednesford in the Northern League Premier Division and was working full-time at a Bentley car factory. But just as the 20-year-old was facing redundancy Arsenal signed the youngster in the January transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo after the game the speedy left footer said he was buzzing about his night in Sydney.

“It was an unreal experience,” said the 20-year-old. “To be fair I just came here to make my appearance and I’m happy to have accomplished that.

“I thought I made a bit of an impact and I could’ve have done a few bits here and there a little bit better but overall it was good.”

Bramall also took time to give praise to Sydney FC’s performance.

“They are top players to be fair,” he said. “They got into the game at around 35 minutes and they were finding gaps and they played well.

“They also played at a good tempo and they kept the ball at the back and they popped it about here and there.”

Many observers had Nelson as the Gunners man of the match and Arsenal’s coach was also glowing about the attacking midfielder’s form during the game.

“Since I’ve been in the game you have it at 18 years of age or you haven’t got it, “said Wenger.

“I believe that some of the players I’ve had in my career have turned it on at 18 years of age and when they move on the pitch it’s natural for them to be there. They have no doubt, they just think let’s play and he (Nelson) behaves like that.”