Some may say that Arsenal threw away the opportunity to claim their first piece of silverware since their 2005 FA Cup win due to an unbelievable defensive calamity between Szczesny and Koscenly. However, Birmingham utterly deserved their victory over the London side as they prevented Arsenal from dictating the match.
From the first minute Birmingham set out their intention when Zigic controlled the ball, in acres of space, and played in Lee Bowyer who got taken out by Szczesny. The Arsenal keeper was set to see red and a penalty was imminent only for the linesman to have incorrectly flag offside.
Despite Birmingham’s quick start, with Zigic especially getting a lot of joy in the air, Wilshere did impress in the middle of the park. Nasri then found Ashavin in the box, who superbly turned tightly in the box but could only fire at Ben Foster’s legs.
Birmingham’s defence did look susceptible from corners, failing to deal with two in concession however Djourou found the ball twice, yet failed to find the net on both occasions.
Nasri, Ashavin and Rosicky continued to torment the opposition defence however their neat footwork never materialised into a serious threat. In fact, most of the time it never even materialised into any threat as decision making and poor final passing let the gunners down.
On 27 minutes a poor pass by Sagna eventually resulted in a corner for Birmingham. The ball swung towards the penalty spot where Rodger Johnson headed the ball onto the six yard box where Zigic was waiting head and shoulders above a static Arsenal defence to nod the ball home sending the travelling fans into wild celebrations. The lead was well deserved and Arsenal had no plan to deal with the height of Zigic.
From the restart Sagna attempted to make amends firing a cross into Van Persie who went close with a stretched header that whistled past the top corner.
Zigic continued to cause havoc though. The striker knocked down to Garderner before the midfielder neatly put Zigic through one-on-one with Szczesny. However, the striker, albeit a major threat with his head, fails to inspire with his feet, kicking straight at the onrushing keeper.
By this time Arsenal’s defence was in self-destruct mode with Koscielny becoming the first player of the afternoon to find himself in Mike Dean’s book. A mistimed raised foot tackle on Lee Bowyer deservingly seeing yellow.
But in the flick of a switch, classic Arsenal. The Gunners broke from a Birmingham free-kick, finding Wilshere, who started the move deep in his own half, on the edge of the box. The nineteen year old fired a shot against the bar, only for the danger not to disappear as Nasri found Van Persie whose swivelled right-footed volley into the bottom left hand corner of the goal was a rare moment of genius.
The game continued to flow freely with Larsson becoming Birmingham’s first player in the book for verbal complaints. Arsenal’s attractive football created no danger, whilst Alex McLeish’s men kept flighting balls onto their tall centre-forward.
The end of an entertaining first half finally came to an end with Arsenal, despite seeing most of the ball, being extremely lucky to go into the dressing room on level terms. The Blues should have at least scored twice, and possibly should have returned in the second half with at least one more player on the field also.
However, the same set of players returned to fight out the first major piece of silverware of the new season with Arsenal starting the brighter. Rosicky laced a ball wide after another swift passing move as the Londoners began to turn passing into chances.
Sensing danger, McLeish bought on Beausejour to replace a disgruntled Craig Garderner only five minutes into the second half. The lifelong Birmingham fan looked less than pleased with his manager’s decision.
McLeish’s substitute nearly caused instant damage as in an increasingly scrappy game Beausejour battled for a ball up the pitch to set up Fahey, who on his second attempt, smacked the inside of the Arsenal post before watching the ball escape away across the face of the goal.
The game began to die down with the battle in the middle of the park becoming prominent. Ex-Birmingham loanee Nicklas Bendtner replaced an injured Van Persie with 20 minutes to go but did nothing to inspire confidence in the outlook changing.
Arsenal then began to apply pressure with Rosicky firing straight into Ben Foster’s body. Bendtner then wriggled free in the area only find the keeper’s hands in fine form.
Arshavin was then withdrawn for Chamakh in a bid by Wenger to win the game. The Morroccon was soon to set-up Rosicky but once more Foster was there to prevent a goal, before once more diving to palm away a Nasri shot. The Ex-Manchester United keeper won the Carling Cup in 2009 and today’s performance was just as inspiring.
Fahey was replaced by Obafemi Martins with 10 minutes left on the clock giving the strong Nigerian plenty of time to rattle the Arsenal defence, especially with 30 minutes of extra time looming.
His presence appeared to work, as out of nowhere, a long ball gets launched forward by Ben Foster with intended target Zigic flicking on once more. Szczesny came out to claim the ball as Koscielny swung a random leg at the ball before pulling out at the end. The muddle allowed the ball to bobble out to Martins who calmly placed the ball into the back of the empty goal to cause rapturous scenes among the blue half of Wembley with two minutes to play.
After 4 minutes of agonizing injury-time minutes, within which Zigic got a deserved standing ovation from the Birmingham fans when replaced by Jerome, the final whistle blew sending Birmingham players and fans alike into manic celebrations. Arsenal players in comparison fell to their knees in disappear, with Koscienly hiding his face in his shirt.
McLeish’s tactics thwarted an Arsenal side who never really got going with a resilient performance from Ben Foster coupled with the fray caused by Zigic’s height leading to a deserved victory, giving the side their first piece of silverware in 48 years.
Sunday 27 February 2011
Thursday 24 February 2011
Out with the Old and In with the New
Whilst watching another distinctly average European tie involving an English team in red, I began to question the future of English football. Manchester United last night looked to Paul Scholes to create a spark, whereas Liverpool without Steven Gerrard are just not all there. Both fantastic footballers, yet both are organising their pension plans. However, despite this the future of the English national side does not seem quite so bleak.
Liverpool’s right-back Martin Kelly has impressed this season. His willingness to maraud up the field is placated only by his lack of crossing ability. However, given time, which the twenty year old has, he will no doubt improve his final ball. As for his main responsibility, his defending, it is more than adequate. It certainly allows him to push England right-back Glen Johnson out of the Liverpool starting eleven.
For Manchester United Chris Smalling gave another resilient, composed performance, easily one of the best players on the park. His defensive drive enables him to commit to every challenge, whether on the ground or in the air, making him a solid rock that will surely find solace in the heart of an English defence. Although, his long balls are still a little wayward, leading commentators to suggest that when Rio is fit Ferdinand will relegate Smalling to the Manchester United bench, do not be surprised to see the situation soon reversed.
Smalling’s future defensive partner is slightly more ambiguous. Gary Cahill is still only twenty-five but Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross is potentially a more likely suspect. Both are solid, uninspiring contenders, but do you really want a flash centre-back? Martin Kelly could switch to a more central role, negating his runs completely, yet Spur’s Kyle Walker would be a fine replacement at right back.
Replacing Ashley Cole, despite what you may think of him, will be the hardest task. Cole has been consistently England’s best performer for a few years now and remains the world’s best left back. His Arsenal days seem a mere distant memory, but another product from the Arsenal youth academy, Kieran Gibbs, may eventually show his early promise and claim the England number 3 shirt. Though, he needs to push Gael Clichy out of the Arsenal team first.
For the first time in a long time England’s goalkeeper is a position not in doubt. Joe Hart could, and probably should, have had the number one shirt during the last World Cup. However, in a sport where players are playing longer, with keepers already having increased longevity, expect the Manchester City keeper to out see Qatar in 2022 and potentially play in one uncontroversial World Cup setting.
A plethora of young talent should keep England’s midfield ticking over nicely, despite the loss of icons Beckham, Gerrard and Lampard. At the tender age of 19 Jack Wilshere is already my first name on the England team sheet. His exemplary performances, most notably against the midfield passing dynamos of Barcelona, seat him even above his predecessors. His passing, awareness and movement is of the highest Arsenal quality, yet add to that traditional English grit and you find a near complete central midfielder.
Helping to pull the strings in the middle of the park could be one of two Manchester City players. James Milner, although a little older than the rest of the team at the age of twenty-five, adds international experience and leadership. The other option could be to move Adam Johnson into a central attacking role. His pace, agility and natural willingness to cut inside when on the wing means that he could be perfectly suited to provide the magic required when stuck in a dogged, crowded midfield.
If Johnson is not in the middle, he will no doubt express his ability on the right of midfield. However, his repositioning should create a space for a whippet. Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott have similar attributes, therefore putting them at a constant battle for the coveted number seven shirt. Whoever can gain composure in the final third of the pitch will no doubt get the nod.
Left of the midfield three is Stuart Downing. Another accomplished Aston Villa midfielder could provide both stability and fluidity to the team. A natural left-winger provides balance, but his increased composure could mean that he could play in the middle, interchanging with Milner and Johnson at will during the match.
Leading the line at the top end of the field is Liverpool’s £35million signing Andy Carroll. Whether the frontman is worth quite that amount is one thing but he is still a quality striker. His height creates aerial problems for the opposing defence whilst his feet provide clinical finishing.
Alongside Carroll is the explosive Wayne Rooney. Still yet to fully shine on the international main stage, the Manchester United forward still has time to show his talents. His poor season at Old Trafford will not last forever, expect him to star in future international tournaments.
So on paper the English national side looks to be in good health. The rejuvenating process from a lacklustre World Cup can begin, provided the new blood are given the opportunity, and time, to settle. With Freddie Sears, Jay Spearing, Gabi Agbonlahor, Tom Huddlestone, Connor Wickham and no doubt many more prestigious talents all staking their claims for a call-up depth will come naturally to the squad. And if all else fails, we can always rely on the evergreen Kevin Davis.
Liverpool’s right-back Martin Kelly has impressed this season. His willingness to maraud up the field is placated only by his lack of crossing ability. However, given time, which the twenty year old has, he will no doubt improve his final ball. As for his main responsibility, his defending, it is more than adequate. It certainly allows him to push England right-back Glen Johnson out of the Liverpool starting eleven.
For Manchester United Chris Smalling gave another resilient, composed performance, easily one of the best players on the park. His defensive drive enables him to commit to every challenge, whether on the ground or in the air, making him a solid rock that will surely find solace in the heart of an English defence. Although, his long balls are still a little wayward, leading commentators to suggest that when Rio is fit Ferdinand will relegate Smalling to the Manchester United bench, do not be surprised to see the situation soon reversed.
Smalling’s future defensive partner is slightly more ambiguous. Gary Cahill is still only twenty-five but Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross is potentially a more likely suspect. Both are solid, uninspiring contenders, but do you really want a flash centre-back? Martin Kelly could switch to a more central role, negating his runs completely, yet Spur’s Kyle Walker would be a fine replacement at right back.
Replacing Ashley Cole, despite what you may think of him, will be the hardest task. Cole has been consistently England’s best performer for a few years now and remains the world’s best left back. His Arsenal days seem a mere distant memory, but another product from the Arsenal youth academy, Kieran Gibbs, may eventually show his early promise and claim the England number 3 shirt. Though, he needs to push Gael Clichy out of the Arsenal team first.
For the first time in a long time England’s goalkeeper is a position not in doubt. Joe Hart could, and probably should, have had the number one shirt during the last World Cup. However, in a sport where players are playing longer, with keepers already having increased longevity, expect the Manchester City keeper to out see Qatar in 2022 and potentially play in one uncontroversial World Cup setting.
A plethora of young talent should keep England’s midfield ticking over nicely, despite the loss of icons Beckham, Gerrard and Lampard. At the tender age of 19 Jack Wilshere is already my first name on the England team sheet. His exemplary performances, most notably against the midfield passing dynamos of Barcelona, seat him even above his predecessors. His passing, awareness and movement is of the highest Arsenal quality, yet add to that traditional English grit and you find a near complete central midfielder.
Helping to pull the strings in the middle of the park could be one of two Manchester City players. James Milner, although a little older than the rest of the team at the age of twenty-five, adds international experience and leadership. The other option could be to move Adam Johnson into a central attacking role. His pace, agility and natural willingness to cut inside when on the wing means that he could be perfectly suited to provide the magic required when stuck in a dogged, crowded midfield.
If Johnson is not in the middle, he will no doubt express his ability on the right of midfield. However, his repositioning should create a space for a whippet. Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott have similar attributes, therefore putting them at a constant battle for the coveted number seven shirt. Whoever can gain composure in the final third of the pitch will no doubt get the nod.
Left of the midfield three is Stuart Downing. Another accomplished Aston Villa midfielder could provide both stability and fluidity to the team. A natural left-winger provides balance, but his increased composure could mean that he could play in the middle, interchanging with Milner and Johnson at will during the match.
Leading the line at the top end of the field is Liverpool’s £35million signing Andy Carroll. Whether the frontman is worth quite that amount is one thing but he is still a quality striker. His height creates aerial problems for the opposing defence whilst his feet provide clinical finishing.
Alongside Carroll is the explosive Wayne Rooney. Still yet to fully shine on the international main stage, the Manchester United forward still has time to show his talents. His poor season at Old Trafford will not last forever, expect him to star in future international tournaments.
So on paper the English national side looks to be in good health. The rejuvenating process from a lacklustre World Cup can begin, provided the new blood are given the opportunity, and time, to settle. With Freddie Sears, Jay Spearing, Gabi Agbonlahor, Tom Huddlestone, Connor Wickham and no doubt many more prestigious talents all staking their claims for a call-up depth will come naturally to the squad. And if all else fails, we can always rely on the evergreen Kevin Davis.
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