Blues end 48 Year Drought to Keep Arsenal's One Going

Watch all Match Goals Here

Arsenal's 6 year trophy drought had nothing on Birmingham's 48, but it was the team in Blue who proudly walked away knowing that the sorry statistic is no more, and that Alex McLeish is now the proud manager who can place silverware in Birmingham's dusty trophy cabinet. So first of all, congratulations to Birmingham City.

Now to Arsenal. I said before the game, that if Arsenal were to lose, it would be through an individual error, and not the fact that Birmingham's quality was greater. In the end, it proved to be true, as Koscielny hesitated in clearing the ball in front of his goalkeeper, only for the ball to rebound off of Sczcesny into the path of Obafemi Martins for the easiest goal he will ever hope to score. Arsenal threw away their best chance to lift silverware today, and it is that reason why Arsenal fans will be so distraught.

The game was a fantastic spectacle, end to end, with full commitment from both sides as they fought fiercely in front of their passionate and willing fans who created a brilliant atmosphere at a packed Wembley Stadium. The pitch was perfect, much improved from the previous finals, which suited Arsenal's silky passing and quick, intricate play, but the Gunners could not take full advantage of it against the resilient Birmingham defence who stood strong for much of the game.

After Nicola Zigic's headed goal opened the scoring, anything looked possible, only for the stand-in captain Robin van Persie to strike into the corner for the equaliser. But it was the final goal from super substitute Martins that won the game and broke Arsenal hearts.

The man of the match was awarded to the deserving Ben Foster who was once again outstanding in a Carling Cup final win, mirroring his stunning performance for former club Manchester United two years ago. The Englishman told Sky Sports that winning the cup was the best feeling after the birth of his two children, and they would certainly be proud of him, just as the whole of Birmingham, and his former employers Manchester United surely are.

Jack Wilshere, Arsenals wonder kid was excellent again, doing his best to run the midfield in the absence of Fabregas, and doing a very good job. He couldn't lead his side to a win, but he created the goal after bringing the ball forward and striking the bar with a spectacular shot, however, he was left with his hands on has had after the winning goal rippled the net, and Arsenal fell, defeated.

The game may decide Arsenal's future. At the start of play, they were in all four competitions, and favourites to grab at least one. That chance has been blown by yet another defensive error, although very unlucky, and could break their season as they head into the vital closing stages of the title race and Champions League knockout-stages.

Arsenal may still be in all three competitions, including that knockout stage with Barcelona fast approaching, but it was Birmingham who delivered an unlikely knockout blow today which saw the Gunners fall to their knees in disbelief and distress. How will they react to such a cruel blow?

Wenger: Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny Out Injured

Arsene Wenger confirmed that Robin Van Persie, Abou Diaby and Laurent Koscielny will all be out of Arsenal's next game against Stoke City with injuries, although Diaby wold have missed the game with suspension anyway. Arsenal host Stoke on Wednesday, but Wenger is positive that the trio will all be fit for Sunday's Carling Cup final clash against Birmingham where Arsenal have the chance to win some overdue silverware.

Wenger said:

"We don't have Van Persie, Diaby and Koscielny available."

"Everybody else is fit. Diaby is suspended. Van Persie has a hamstring problem and Koscielny a back problem."

"Both are short term and they have a chance for the game on Sunday"

Johan Djourou has been in very good form this season, making up for the absence of Thomas Vermaelen alongside Koscielny in the centre of defence, and Wenger will welcome the Swiss back into the side after missing the F.A Cup draw against Leyton Orient.
The Arsenal manager said:

"Johan Djourou is better and will play."

The replay with Leyton Orient in the Cup isn't going to help, as although Arsenal are favourites to win, it is another long 90 minutes and risks injuries or fatigue that they will not want in the lead up the back end of the season, as well as a second leg with Barcelona at the Nou Camp awaiting them.

Watch: Arsenal 2 - 1 Everton

Watch Arsenal 2 - 1 Everton

Arsenal came from behind against Everton to keep their chase with Manchester United for the Premier League top spot going for another week. The Gunners had to rise above a blatant offside decision that went against them which put them behind in the first place, and in the last 20 minutes, they did just that - rise above the controversy with goals from Andrei Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny.

I won't go into too much detail on the goals scored, because you can see them above, but here is a quick summary:

Louis Saha scored the opener while standing in a clear offside position when the ball was played to him by Seamus Coleman in the 24th minute. Despite uproar from the Arsenal players who all raised their arms simultaneously as the ball floated over, the goal stood, and the Toffees held onto their fragile away lead until the 70th minute.
A beautifully chipped ball from Fabregas opened up the Everton defence with apparent ease, for the previously out of sorts Arshavin to poke past Tim Howard for the equaliser.
Five minutes later, and a corner was floated into the box for Koscielny to head home for the winner and run off in hysteria to celebrate with his delighted fans.

David Moyes, the Everton manager, was not happy. At all. In fact, the Scot was disgusted. But not at his teams performance, rather, he was disgusted at the Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas' behaviour towards the referee in the tunnel. Moyes explained:

"Fabregas should have been sent off in the tunnel for his comments about the officials. It was disgusting.

"I won't be repeating them, but maybe someone will."

When he was asked to explain what he meant by this, Moyes said:

"No I won't. I'll just say that he should have been sent off for his comments to the officials coming up the tunnel."

Nevertheless, Arsenal were victorious, and continue to put pressure Manchester United at the top of the League, despite the Red Devils comfortable 3 - 1 win over Aston Villa. The gap remains at 5 points, but will the fact that neither Arsenal or United added to their squad in the January transfer window, while their title rivals did play any part in the title race? Not too much I suspect. Both have bee strong from the off.