Carling Cup Final: 7 Things World Football Learned from Arsenal's Shock Loss
Arsenal were unable to finally diminish their notorious five season trophy drought as a final minute error between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczensy and defender Laurent Koscielny enabled Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins to score from close range into an open net.
It was a cruel twist for the Gunners having dominated majority of proceedings alongside defending solid against the physical Birmingham attack. After captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas and inform dynamo Theo Walcott where ruled out of the Carling Cup final having sustained injuries in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Stoke City days earlier, the Gunners never looked at their attacking best despite creating numerous chances.
Now Wenger will continue to have disgruntled fans voicing their frustrations and the burden of no silverware for almost six years at one of World Football's dominant and prestigious clubs. The shock defeat has also raised a number of prominent questions about the Gunners capabilities and squad.
Here is seven things Arsenal fans learnt from the Carling Cup Final loss.
7. Tomas Rosicky Is a Shadow of His Former Self and Should Be Sold
1 of 7
When Czech play maker Tomas Rosicky arrived at the Emirates in the Summer 2006 as the replacement to the heroic Robert Pires, fans and critics alike had high hopes for the talented midfielder. Rosicky had been a superb force for German giants Borussia Dortmund and epitomized the touch, speed and skill of Wenger's style of play.
The Czech Republic international enjoyed two stellar seasons in the Premier League, becoming an integral part of the Arsenal midfield. However a serious hamstring tendon injury saw Rosicky miss the back end of 2007/2008 and the whole of 2008/2009.
It was a big blow for the Gunners as Rosicky creativity, skill and partnership with Cesc Fabregas was invaluable to the Arsenal attack. Fans were tentative upon Rosicky's return in the early exchanges of 2009/2010 but the former Sparta Prague midfielder managed a solid season maintaining a strong fitness level.
However age has caught up with the 30 year old and Rosicky has endured a poor season to date in which his performance and contribution in the League Cup final epitomized. Drafted into the midfield to replace the injured Fabregas, the midfielder failed to make his presence felt, conveying an almost annonymous shift.
Rosicky has not exactly been a prominent figure in the Arsenal XI this season with teenage sensation Jack Wilshere securing the midfield spot beside defensive midfielder Alexandre Song and ofcourse captain Cesc Fabregas.
Furthermore with Aaron Ramsey set to be a feature in the Arsenal midfield after successful loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City following his horrific injury last season, and the likes of Henri Lansbury and Samuel Galindo returning from loan spells, Rosicky's poor form is destined to himself sold.
Granted the Czech instills leadership and experience into the Arsenal line up but Rosicky is no where near the player he was once and with the need for a trophy considerably increased after the defeat at Wembley, Tomas Rosicky should be sold.
6. Wenger Needs to Rest Alexandre Song More Often
2 of 7
Arguably Alexandre Song is one of the best defensive midfielders in World Football and it's no surprise the Cameroon midfielder is touted as one of Arsenal's most important and consistent players. But Song's not much use to the Gunners when he is considerably tired or worst injured.
February has been an action packed month for the North London giants with a total of six games in twenty eight days. After enduring an even worse schedule in January, it is only nature that fatigue and injuries become evident.
Arsenal played Wolves, Spanish giants Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, Leyton Orient in the FA Cup and Stoke City in the build up to the Carling Cup final and Alexandre Song featured in everyone of those encounters. Granted the 23 year old only played 68 minutes against Barcelona and the suspension of Abou Diaby in early February ensured a tight midfield depth, however in this time Wenger refused to give deputy defensive midfielder Denilson adequate playing time.
Many envisioned Wenger to rest Song for the final against Birminghan and to reinstate Denilson to the starting XI. However Wenger was once again ignored the presence of his Brazilian and a lethargic Song played ninety minutes of intense football.
Song enjoyed a solid match but did not look his dominant, imposing self and it has become obvious that Wenger needs to trust the depth of his midfielders and grant Alexandre Song a well deserved break.
5.Should Cesc Fabregas Leave to Barcelona, Arsenal's Attack Won't Be the Same
3 of 7
It was cruel that mere days before Cesc Fabregas would lead his beloved Arsenal in a final, a minor hamstring injury should occur and rule the Spaniard out. Fans and critics were aware that Fabregas's absence would leave a weaker, less flowing Arsenal but the Gunners boast a huge array of talented midfielders and fans were hopefully it would not affect Arsenal's attack to greatly.
Unfortunately it did as Wenger's men failed to convey their attacking dominance that has been so evident and strong in recent months. The Gunners also lacked leadership and direction whilst the likes of Robin van Persie, Andrei Arshavin and Samir Nasri failed to receive the perfectly weighted passes and exchanges they thrive upon.
There is no denying that Cesc Fabregas will one day depart the Emirates and return to his boyhood club Barcelona, and although it currently looks to be later rather than sooner, when it occurs, Arsenal's attack simply won't be the same.
4. Fans and Critics May Have Overrated Wojciech Szczesny
4 of 7
It has been a rapid rise to the top for 20 year old goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who last season spent majority of the campaign on loan with League One side Brentford before returning this season as the fourth choice keeper.
But with injuries to Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski whilst a loan spell to Vito Mannone, Szczesny received a chance in December as the Arsenal number one and hasn't looked back, until now. The Polish international has been more than impressive at the front of the helm but his calamitous error exposed his failure to deal with pressure and inexperience.
Granted the presence of Laurent Koscielny was off putting but frankly one would expect a goalkeeper of Szczesny calibre to effectively deal with the tame ball that confronted him. Goalkeeper predominantly endure even more pressure and presences when dealing with corners and free kicks and if the error continues to haunt the Polish youngster than it will raise the question whether he really is good enough.
3. Laurent Koscielny Is Still a Terrific Defender
5 of 7
Laurent Koscielny may have played a vital role in the error that lead to the Birmingham winner and his deputation has almost certainly been diminished, especially in the eyes of the Arsenal fans. But there is no denying that the Frenchman has been terrific for the Gunners this season and up until the error had enjoyed a strong Carling Cup final.
One may often forget that this is still only the 25 year old is first season in the EPL, World Football's toughest league and that two seasons ago, Koscielny was playing in the French second division. Furthermore, Koscienly has been forced to play more games than any other defender.
The severe Achilles injury that has kept defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen absent since August has ensured the Arsenal back line only boasts three fit centre half. Imposing Swiss Johan Djourou was not at peak fitness until December whilst Sebastien Squillaci has drifted in an out of form.
Yet Koscielny has consistently continued to uphold the Arsenal central defence despite continually receiving mass criticism. Yes the miss communication between Koscielny and Szczensy lead to the Birmingham victory but it is unlikely that without the consistent, fit presence of Laurent Koscienly, Arsenal would not even be in the position they have found themselves in.
2. Jack Wilshere Will Be an Incredible Player for Arsenal
6 of 7
At the mere age of 19, Jack Wilshere was the youngest player in the Carling Cup final yet exhibited maturity, composure and leadership of an experienced, captain. Arguably one of the glowing points of Arsenal's season so far has been the emergence of Jack Wilshere.
The English sensastion has enforced his presence into the Arsenal XI after being granted the opportunity at the commencement of the season following a stellar loan spell with EPL side Bolton. Not only has the young gun been a consistent presence in the Arsenal midfield, notching 35 appearances to date, Wilshere has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
With Cesc Fabregas absent and Tomas Rosicky barely present, Jack Wilshere stepped up an orchestrated the Gunners attack, showing superb movement, creativity and poise. Infront of 88,851 spectators, the most Wilshere would have ever played infront of, the English international once again showed great composure, failing to be over awed by the massive situation.
And he is only 19. Already he boast sufficient experience in all the major competitions and it's still only Wilshere first season in the Arsenal XI. There is no denying Jack Wilshere will be an incredible player for Arsenal.
1. Arsenal's Season Isn't over and They Are Capable of Winning a Trophy
7 of 7
It may have been, what most perceived, as Arsenal's best chance to end their silverware struggle but despite the Gunners inability to triumph, it does not signify another trophy-less season. Many regard the Carling Cup as the "Mickey Mouse Cup" and in truth most would desire Arsenal to succeed in the Premier League if anything.
The likes of Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie will all return whilst Wojciech Szczesny will regather. If anything the loss will have forced the Gunners to crave success even further and with the FA Cup, Champions League and English Premier League still well within Arsenal's reach, the Gunners can still win a trophy.
