It was the cruellest way to lose a final as a miss-communication from Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny allowed Obafemi Martins to score the decisive goal after Robin Van Persie had cancelled out Nikola Zigic's opener. Arsenal headed into today's Carling Cup final as overwhelming favourites despite both Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas missed out on The Gunner's first appearance at the new Wembley. They controlled a majority of the game having had more possession, corners and shots as Ben Foster performed admirably to keep Arsenal at bay, yet they have come away with a morale destroying defeat.
In my opinion, this match will mean more than Arsenal failing to end their six year (to date) trophy drought. The loss to a team fourteen places behind them will deal a huge psychological blow to them leaving Arsenal wondering if they have the bottle to overcome the demons that have dogged them in recent years. Personally, I know for a fact they will. Today would have been a much different story had Fabregas and Walcott been available as proved when Arsenal had both available when they defeated Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
Both should be available for the trip to the Nou Camp yet the loss highlights a further problem; how Arsenal perform without their captain. As good as Wilshere and Samir Nasri are, Arsenal never perform to their high standards without Fabregas in the team and today proved as such. At the turn of the New Year, Arsenal defeated Birmingham with minimal ease at St. Andrews with Fabregas playing a pivotal role in the 3-0 win. Yet, The Gunners lacked the influence and creativity Fabregas provides and would have proved essential in today's game. Granted, Birmingham performed with the passion and tenacity vital to any cup final but, had Fabregas been playing, it could have been a repeat of new years' fixture. Whether the loss puts the Spaniard's future in doubt is another matter but it highlights the impact Fabregas has in the starting XI and, should Arsenal lose their captain in the summer, Arsene Wenger will find it difficult to replace Arsenal's talisman.
The Arsenal back-line stills harbours food for thought for Wenger with the Martins winner, along with the Zigic opener and the chances that fell to Birmingham, highlighting Arsenal's defensive frailties. Szczesny, as good as he is, is still inexperienced for the number one role at such a prestigious club and an experienced head in between the sticks may provide the Pole with some necessary competition and a character to learn from. Fulham's Mark Schwarzer or Shay Given of Manchester City (once he regains fitness) would be perfect to help Szczesny learn the ropes in the game and stand him in good stead for the future. Nonetheless, he is good enough to be Arsenal's number one for years to come but the 89th minute Martins winner raises questions marks as to whether he is ready now.
Moving onto the back four, I believe most Arsenal fans will agree with me when I say that Johan Djourou and Thomas Vermaelen, when he regains fitness, would be their starting centre-backs. Sebastien Squillaci is proving to be more of a Pascal Cygan than a William Gallas while Koscielny, despite a MOTM performance against Barcelona, looks to be struggling with the physical demands of the Premiership. Given the chance, he will improve with time but, with Arsenal once again four points behind Manchester United, I feel it will take a miracle for him to pick up his performances before the culmination of the 2010/11 season.
Going forward, Arsenal are still a delight with or without Fabregas and I've said it before and I'll say it again, had Van Persie been fit for the entire season, Arsenal would be out in front of United. However, with Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh both not proving adequate back-up for Van Persie, Wenger may need a real poacher to ease the pressure on the Dutchman and fill his boots when Van Perise, undoubtedly, has another spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal have a chance to wrong this right on Wednesday night when they face Leyton Orient on Wednesday night in their FA Cup 5th round replay. This is a cup they have a genuine chance of winning despite a potential quarter-final showdown against Manchester United lying in wait. Yet, like today, the chance of an upset is there for all to see.
With United facing Chelsea in a potential title deciding fixture, The Gunners will realise the pressure is on United Tuesday night and, should Chelsea pick up a victory over The Red Devils, it may well be the confidence boost they need to improve their trophy quest with three still to play for.
Either way, today's loss highlights more than the lack of silverware in The Emirates trophy cabinet and Arsenal must pick up a win on Wednesday night if they are to stay in the hunt for one of three trophies and pick up momentum ahead of a challenging set of fixtures for The Gunners.
Anyway, I have got to go.
Laters,
Macca
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