The others did play some games (varying amounts). Gervinho is the main loss however even the others who played less games were still better than some random youngster hence they got to play those games and the youngster didn't.
I don't understand why arsenal fans keep thinking that your youngsters are somehow fucking awesome. There is not much proof of this in the last decade or so.
If we go with the theory that all the kids will get better cos it's one more year then everyone's youngsters will be just as awesome this coming season. Jordan Henderson is going to tear it the fuck up this season.