Wembley Stadium, Carling Cup Final, 27/02/11
After 90 minutes of stout, faultless defending against the ultimate long ball merchants on Wednesday, this. Undone twice by a 6’ 8” striker and two monumental defensive errors. We weren’t at our best; possession was surrendered too easily, in both halves we visibly tired after bright starts, our finishing wasn’t clinical enough (we had enough chances to win the game and should’ve put the game to bed during a prolonged spell of second half pressure), too many individual performances were lacking and substitutions were mystifying. But none of this could’ve prepared us for 1st half flap by Sczezny allowing Zigic to head home and an appalling lack of communication between the keeper and Koscielny to let Martins tap in with 2 minutes remaining. All of which meant that Van Persie’s superb volleyed goal from an Arshavin chip will be forgotten. Much like I want this whole day to be.
