What effect will the Carling Cup Final defeat have on Arsenal?
The wait for that elusive trophy goes on for Arsenal following yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final. Yesterday represented their best chance of winning their first trophy in over five years but the Gunners must move on quickly from their setback. If they dwell on their missed opportunity too much then their whole season could derail rapidly in front of their own eyes.
The defeat was made more gut wrenching for Arsenal players and fans thanks to a mix up between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and defender Laurent Koscielny which led to Birmingham’s winner in the 89th minute. The whole Arsenal squad will feel shattered after the loss but none more so than Szczesny and Koscielny. Both players have earned a lot of praise in the last few weeks after putting in some top notch performances but following their mix up, it is inevitable that questions will be raised again. It’s pivotal that these two recover quickly as they remain vital members of the side.
Missing out on the Carling Cup will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Arsenal. Yesterday was the third time that they have finished runner up in a competition since winning the FA Cup in 2005. Another runner’s up medal in a barren run without a trophy means that it’s understandable if the players start to doubt if success will ever happen. However, it is paramount that the team don’t let such thoughts creep into their minds as they are still in with a shout of winning a memorable treble.
The next nine days could well define their season. Currently, the Gunners are 2nd in the Premiership but lie just four points off league leaders Manchester United. United have two tough away games this week against Chelsea and Liverpool so come Monday, the gap could easily have been reduced if Arsenal beat Sunderland at the Emirates on Saturday.
However before then, Arsenal have a FA Cup replay against Leyton Orient on Wednesday. Having played so many games recently, Wenger will surely opt to play a second string side but must make sure it’s strong enough to avoid a mighty upset. Imagine how low confidence would be if they were to be knocked out of two competitions in two games. Arguably, the most important game of the next nine days is their 2nd leg tie against Barcelona in the Last 16 of the Champions League. Arsenal head to the Nou Camp with a 2-1 lead but know that it will take a special performance to knock out the competition favourites.
However, if they do achieve such a feat then they will receive a huge boost which will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the season. Suddenly the Carling Cup final defeat will feel like a distant memory.
