Probably, football fans are presently more concerned in receiving information related to both Arsenal and Birmingham’s team status, as well reading quotes from dangerous participants of the clash. Yet, historical reality also has a huge influence on the Carling Cup final, and especially for the Gunners, their Sunday battle could even mark the end of a tedious era.
Arsenal vs Birmingham City: Arsenal In Search Of First Cup Since 2005
Almost 6 years have passed since Arsenal lifted a major title. The Londoners last celebrated a trophy on 21 May 2005, after defeating Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on penalties in the FA Cup final. A 0-0 draw after 120 minutes saw an outplayed Gunners side go for the shootout, where they luckily emerged winners 5-4.
Arsenal went on to lose the FA Community Shield to Chelsea 3 months later, but the ensuing season happened to give them a deserved shot at football’s most prestigious club honour: the UEFA Champions League title. The Emirates Stadium occupants faced FC Barcelona in the competitions’ final in Paris, and the English giants were in a good position to humble their challengers—having not conceded a goal in 10 consecutive matches in Europe. However, they somehow lost their record—going down 2-1 after 90 minutes to finish their run as runners-up.
Arsenal again participated in another final—this time, in the Carling Cup in 2007—nevertheless on another occasion, fate was not on their side. The Gunners suffered another 2-1 loss at the hands of Chelsea who triumphed at the Millennium Stadium, much at the disappointment of Arsene Wenger, who could only wonder how his boys could find success at the “mysterious” Cardiff park.
2008, 2009, and 2010 were not productive years for Arsenal in truth to be told, with the North Londoners unable to impose themselves over their English rivals—both on the domestic and European fronts. Happily for them, the year 2011 is likely to mark a new chapter in the club’s history, as they have rudely took into possession tickets for the Carling Cup final. There, they face Birmingham City, who also have their problems to sort out.
Arsenal vs Birmingham City: Season Consolation For Birmingham
Underestimating Birmingham is obviously the last thing an Arsenal fan would want to do prior to the Carling Cup final. Certainly, a strong resistance on behalf of the Blues will cause their name to fill the English papers for a few days or week; but although this might seem more like the “impossible” for a part of the public, it is still very much feasible.
Alex McLeish’s Birmingham currently occupy the 16th position of the English Premier League table, with only 30 points out of 26 matches played. Nonetheless, their poor form in the league did not prevent them from securing a precious Carling Cup final spot; a mission unaccomplished by the EPL’s “Big Guys”—at the exception of Arsenal. Below, we look at all the results obtained by Arsenal and Birmingham throughout the competition.
Arsenal vs Birmingham: Road To Carling Cup Final
Arsenal FC
Sep 21, 2010: Tottenham Hotspur 1-4 Arsenal (won after extra time)
Oct 27, 2010: Newcastle United 0-4 Arsenal
Nov 30, 2010: Arsenal 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Jan 12, 2011: Ipswich Town 1-0 Arsenal
Jan 25, 2011: Arsenal 3-0 Ipswich Town
Birmingham City
Aug 26, 2010: Birmingham City 3-2 Rochdale
Sep 21, 2010: Birmingham City 3-1 Milton Keynes Dons
Oct 26, 2010: Birmingham City 1-1 Brentford (resulting in 4-3 victory on penalties for the Blues)
Dec 01, 2010: Birmingham City 2-1 Aston Villa
Jan 11, 2010: West Ham United 2-1 Birmingham City
Jan 26, 2010: Birmingham City 3-1 West Ham United (after extra time)
There are visibly reasons to believe that the Carling Cup final will be a decent combination of goals and hot movements. But, should this be the case, then Arsenal will be having the advantage, considering the fact that they have the better defence. Still, much will depend on the tactical approach taken by the so-called “lowly side”, for a tight and defensive style might send the game to overtime and beyond, where Birmingham could steal the glory.
Arsenal vs Birmingham: Head-To-Head
Arsenal and Birmingham have come up against each other 106 times in total, with the Gunners winning on 50 occasions. In the past few seasons, Arsene Wenger’s army has managed to maintain their authority over the Blues, being undefeated in their last 8 meetings. Below, we take a look at the 5 most recent results of the battles between the 2 Carling Cup finalists.
Feb 23, 2008: Birmingham City 2-2 Arsenal
Oct 17, 2009: Arsenal 3-1 Birmingham City
Mar 27, 2010: Birmingham City 1-1 Arsenal
Oct 16, 2010: Arsenal 2-1 Birmingham City
Jan 01, 2011: Birmingham City 0-3 Arsenal
Arsenal vs Birmingham: For Better Or For Worse
Ironically, Arsenal lost to the Blues exactly a week before getting their hands on what turned out to be their last trophy. This time around, they could rather beat them to break their cupless curse.
As seen in the head-to-head section above, Arsenal dramatically shared a point with Birmingham in the Premier League on 23 February 2008. The Gunners were actually controlling the match after being 2-1 up at the hour mark, but a late penalty from brace-maker James McFadden spoiled the party for the giants—who eventually underwent miserable moments afterward. In their 7 following EPL games, Arsenal won a single one—drawing 4 of them, and losing 2.
The Premier League title contenders are well aware that being humbled once again by the Blues could bring another momentary curse. In effect, missing out on their massive opportunity next up in the Carling Cup final will not only take away their tolerance, but most—if not all—of their momentum to go on this season.
Arsenal vs Birmingham: Brief Team News
Arsenal are anticipated to step at the Wembley Stadium without their injured captain Cesc Fabregas. Winger Theo Walcott has also been declared unfit to perform, while Robin van Persie, About Diaby, and Laurent Koscielny will be making their return after missing Arsenal’s 1-0 league triumph over Stoke City in mid-week.
As for Birmingham City, they will have to fight without the services of Alexander Hleb, Scott Dann and Liam Ridgewell. Former Arsenal player Sebastian Larsson is however expected to get a feel of the unique Carling Cup final.
