Carling Cup Final: Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Birmingham City

Football is a cruel game. As Arsenal geared up for the Carling Cup Final in what the Gunners hoped would signified as the end of their notorious five-season trophy drought, Arsene Wenger's men had their fortune diminished as an embarrassing mix-up in the defence gave opposition Birmingham City the lead and victory in the final minute of normal time.

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny fumbled a feeble header as defender Laurent Koscielny inadvertly blocked the Polish shot stoppers sight with a miss kick clearance. The ball then fell to Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins, who had the easiest of finish from five yards out into an open goal.

The final had been an entertaining, enjoyable fixture. As expected the Gunners dominated possession early on and chances soon materialized for the North London giants. A well-worked move saw Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin receive a chance five yards out, only to be thwarted by the outstanding Ben Forster.

However, like in many circumstances, Arsenal failed to make their processional dominance tell and two minutes before the half hour, Alex McLiesh's men gained a shock lead. After astray passing from the Arsenal defensive line resulted in a corner, Birmingham's game plan of utilizing Serbian giant Nikola Zigic blossomed as the 6'8" striker headed home from close range.

The goal epitomized the fighting spirit and no nonsense defending that the Blues were conveying but fortunately for the Arsenal faithful the Gunners responded 10 minutes later. Teenage sensation Jack Wilshere broke away impressively and exchanged passes with Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie. The Englishman then let loose a ferocious effort that surged into the bar.

The ball then found Andrei Arshavin, who then portrayed superb skill and balance, evading defenders and heading to the base line before sending in a cross that Robin van Persie latched onto emphatically, despite the presence of Brimingham defenders, and finished from an acute angle into the bottom corner.

The goal came at a cost, however, with the Dutchman sustaining a harsh knock to his knee. The game entered the main break level before Arsenal returned akin to way of the first half, dominating possession and creating numerous chances.

As the game wore on, the Gunners began to unleash their attacking prowess despite the early substitution of Robin van Persie. French playmaker Samir Nasri had two strong long-range efforts well saved by Ben Forster before Nicklas Bendtner and Andrei Arshavin both had chances to give Arsenal the advantage.

The game looked destined for extra time as both sides defending was solid but come the 89th minute disaster struck at the back for Arsenal and the rest is history.

So it continues, Arsenal's barren run of silverware success. Fans will complain about the injuries to captain Cesc Fabregas and inform attacker Theo Walcott but credit to Birmingham whose spirit, grit and determination was immense.

However, Arsenal are still in contention for silverware in every other campaign and the loss will almost certainly strive Wenger and his young side to go on better in the remaining competitions.

Player Ratings

Wojciech Szczesny: 5.5: The error will haunt the Polish keeper for a long time to come but there is no denying the youngsters a terrific keeper. However, Szczensy looked tentative off set pieces but did make a superb save to thwart Nikola Zigic, which would have given Birmingahm a 2-0 lead. Quite frankly, though, the mistake could have been avoided.

Bacary Sagna: 6.5: The French defender was solid on the right, producing some vital tackles. Sagna was caught out on occasions but overall defended well alongside some useful contributions in attack.

Johan Djourou: 6: The imposing Swiss struggled to deal with the immense presence of Zigic at times but often produce some vital clearances and blocks. Threatened well of set pieces.

Laurent Koscielny: 6: The Frenchman's reputation was growing rapidly after some months of outstanding displays of defending. However, it will have diminished considerably after the role he played in the blunder. Yet there is no denying that prior to the mistake Koscienly enjoyed a strong defensive display in which a number of vital and impressive tackles, headers and clearances were apparent.

Gael Clichy: 5.5: The experienced Frenchman was guilty of poor positioning and lapses in concentration. Birmingham often exposed the frailty of Arsenal's left side defending. Failed to make his presence felt in attack too.

Alexandre Song: 5.5: The Cameroonian midfielder did make a number of strong tackles in the midfield but conveyed fatigue as Song was not at his dominant best. Questions will be asked of Wenger as to whether Song was really fit enough to start.

Jack Wilshere: 7.5: Once again this outstanding youngster failed to be overawed by the massive occasion. He stepped up impressively in Fabregas's absence as the 19-year-old orchestrated the Arsenal attack. Showed great maturity and leadership.

Tomas Rosicky: 5: Was the Czech playing? A poor performance from Rosicky, who lacked flow and efficient passing. Drafted into the squad due to Fabregas's injury but quite frankly was a liability.

Samir Nasri: 7: The French dynamo was a consistent threat who worked tirelessly in attack. Two ferocious shots deserved goals but it was not Arsenal's day as Ben Forster made superb saves.

Andrei Arshavin: 6.5: The Russian captain showed brilliant composure, balance and skill to assist with the Arsenal equalizer. A general threat in attack but at times failed to really torment the Birmingham back line.

Robin van Persie: 6.5: The Dutchman was well-contained by the Birmingham defence but still managed to score an excellent goal. Linked well with the likes of Wilshere and Nasri but unfortunately was forced off with a slight knock.

Substitutes

Nicklas Bendtner: 6.5: The Danish sharp shooter was an imposing threat in a solid cameo and was unlucky not to find the winner.

Marouane Chamakh: N/A: Short but solid from the Moroccan striker.