Arsenal against Birmingham City

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Birmingham City may have won the League Cup!!!</b> What a shocker for Koscielny and Szczesny!!! A harmless looking ball is floated into the Arsenal box. Both men leave it, the ball bobbles off Szczesny and falls to Obafemi Martins, who roles the ball into the net!!!

Bacary Sagna earns Arsenal a throw-in near the corner flag after a strong burst forward.

Arsenal are once again patient in possession and Rosicky finds space. Twenty five yards from goal, he is caught between two minds and ends up over hitting his through ball.

Into the last five minutes, can either team find a winner and prevent extra time?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Obafemi Martins on for Keith Fahey</b>

Larsson's corner is flicked on at the near post, but nobody can get on the end of it.

A rare chance for Birmingham as Beausejour wins a corner of Sagna...

Wilshere tees up Nasri... who drags his shot well, well wide.

Free kick Arsenal 30-yards from goal, Steven Carr's trip on Bendtner...

Foster again! Who is playing Arsenal on his own at the moment. This time it's Nasri again, who hits a drive from 25 yards which is palmed away.

Another Foster save! Chamakh dispossesses Jiranek and cuts back for Rosicky, whose back-heel is snuffed out by Foster!

Arsenal starting to get on top now and Birmingham are starting to look stretched...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Marouane Chamakh on for Andrei Arshavin</b>

Foster with another smart stop, this time as Bendtner cuts inside a hits a deflected shot which the England keeper just manages to hold on to.

As I type Arsenal create one, and it's Nasri. After a swift break, the France star fires a right-footed shot in that smashes off the face of Foster!

Arsenal are enjoying plenty of possession, but Birmingham are staying steady. There have not veen a lot of chances in this game.

Marouane Chamakh is stripped and ready to be introduced for Arsenal...

Alex Song rises highest to meet the cross, his header drifts harmlessly wide.

Robin van Persie being withdrawn after picking up a knock in the first half, it would seem. Bendtner involved immediately, and he wins a free kick for Arsenal...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Nicklas Bendtner on Robin van Persie</b>

A poor pass played down the left touchline by Gael Clichy which drifts out of play. Arsenal have been disappointing so far.

Rosicky is in behind Birmingham briefly after a slipped pass from Nasri. The door is slammed shut as Blues block the cross.

Roger Johnson seems to be moving gingerly again. His withdrawal would be a hammer-blow to Birmingham.

Larsson and Johnson are both back on their feet and, luckily for Birmingham, seem fine.

Sebastian Larsson is down for Birmingham and clutching his knee. Roger Johnson looks like he's receiving some treatment for a spot of cramp.

Beausejour has had an impact since he came on. The Chilean cuts inside Sagna before firing a low cross into the arms of Szczesny.

The match is opening up again and both teams look a little tense. The next goal in this game is huge...

Arsenal attempt to put the pressure on and maintain possession well. The ball reaches Arshavin, who hits a horrible cross straight out of play.

Birmingham clear as far as Wilshere, whose left-footed shot is deflected behind for another corner...

Arsenal respond. Arshavin gets to the byline and cuts a cross back into the penalty area, Bowyer clears for a corner...

Keith Fahey rattles the post for Birmingham City! Djourou loses possession to Beausejour on the edge of the box, before Zigic tees up Fahey. The Irish drills a fantastic drive on goal, which smashes off the upright!

Nikola Zigic wins the ball in the air again, and heads down for Lee Bowyer. The midfielder gets a bit too excited and lashes a wild shot way over the bar.

Arsenal clear and a chance is gone for Birmingham. It would seem set pieces are the best way for the underdogs to find the net again.

Koscielny turns the ball behind for a corner...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Clichy</b> booked for a trip on Larsson. Dangerous free kick for Birmingham...

An odd decision by Alex McLeish to sub Craig Gardner. Their semifinal hero is a life-long Blues fan and he looks heartbroken on the touchline.

The corner is cleared comfortably by Birmingham, who should win most of the aerial duels with their height advantage.

Arsenal corner after Johnson tackles Nasri...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Jean Beausejour on for Craig Gardner</b>

Stephen Carr again gets the better of Arshavin, forcing the Russian into a mistake and it's a Birmingham goal kick.

First shot of the second half goes to Arsenal, Sagna overlaps well to square for Tomas Rosicky. The Czech does excellently to keep his volleyed shot down and it's narrowly wide.

The young England midfielder is on his feet and looks fine to continue.

Jack Wilshere is down after challenging for a cross in the penalty area with Seb Larsson. It did look rather painful...

<b>SECOND HALF</b> Arsenal kick off.

It's almost time for the second half to begin. Both teams will have reasons to be optimistic after that first half.

Arsene Wenger does have options on the bench. He has chief Carling Cup goalscorer Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh to call upon. While the Blues are hardly short of striking options, with Jerome, Martins and the evergreen Kevin Phillips on the bench.

England's game against India is <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/current/match/433568.html" target="_blank">almost over</a> in the cricket World Cup. See what's going on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0227/robinvanpersiegoal20110227_275x155.jpg"><br>Robin van Persie hooks Arsenal level.

The big talking point of the half was the offside decision against Lee Bowyer in the opening moments. He was clearly onside and Arsenal are lucky to have not conceded a penalty and been down to 10 men.

<b>HALF TIME</b> It's one each at the end of an eventful first half at Wembley. Nikola Zigic had headed Birmingham into a shock lead, before Robin van Persie volleyed Arsenal level.

Arshavin is once again beaten to the punch by Stephen Carr. Arsene Wenger may consider replacing the ineffectual Russian at half time.

<b>FOUR MINUTES ADDED TIME</b>

Lee Bowyer is down again, and he has had an eventful first half. He looks to have injured himself in a nothing challenge with Arshavin.

From the resulting free kick, Foster fumbles into the path of Djourou. With his back to goal, the Swiss attempts to cross but Foster recovers to make the save.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Sebastian Larsson</b> is booked for dissent after Jiranek fouls Rosicky.

Van Persie is back in the action and seems OK to continue. Perhaps Arsenal will take a more in-depth look at him at half time?

Van Persie has hurt himself scoring the goal, this could be a bitter-sweet moment for the Gunners.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Robin van Persie levels the scores!</b> Jack Wilshere rattles the cross bar with a 20-yard howitzer, before Arshavin gathers possession and crosses towards Van Persie. The Dutchman stretches acrobatically to volley right-footed beyond Ben Foster!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Koscielny</b> is indeed the first man in the book.

Birmingham free kick as Koscielny goes in late on Bowyer, the defender could be in trouble here...

More hesitant defending from the Gunners as Ridgewell comes forward. He feeds it to Gardner, who tees up Larsson. The Swede drills a low cross towards goal, which Djourou diverts away.

It could have easily been 2-0 Birmingham, and it probably should be! Gardner controls the ball on the edge of the box and is brought down, the ref waves play on because Zigic is through. His first touch is poor and Szczesny races out to smother the shot. A real let off for Arsenal, who are all over the place at the minute.

Birmingham free kick as Rosicky goes in late on Carr, as he stretches for another terrible Arshavin pass.

Lee Bowyer is down after being hit by the sharp end of Koscielny. The veteran is back on his feet and will be fine to continue.

Arsenal are shell-shocked. It's all going horribly wrong at the moment and they seem to be slightly rudderless.

Better from Arshavin. He gets the better of Carr this time and delivers a low cross into the box which Foster punches clear.

Arsenal almost hit back immediately through Van Persie, who heads Sagna's cross over the top. Wenger will be furious with the goal his team has conceded. Zigic unmarked and Szczesny indecisive, not good at all.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Zigic gives Birmingham a shock lead!</b> The tallest man on the pitch is left all alone as Roger Johnson heads the corner towards goal for the Serb to guide past Szczesny!

Nearly a chance for Birmingham, Fahey's cross looks destined for Zigic's head, but Koscielny heads behind for a corner...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0227/leebowyerbroughtdown20110227_275x155.jpg"> Lee Bowyer is brought down by Szczesny in the opening moments.

Andrei Arshavin is having a shocker. After his miss earlier, this time is absolutely bullied off the ball by Stephen Carr.

Birmingham enjoying a rare spell of possession, before Wilshere robs Bowyer with an excellent challenge. This game needs a goal to kick it into life.

Confusion reigns temporarily for Arsenal as Bowyer looks to capitalise. Djourou hoofs clear to remove the danger.

The game is going through a rather sloppy phase at the moment, which will suit Birmingham down to the ground.

An utterly feeble shot on goal from Arshavin, which rather sums up his season. After decent work from the left, he cuts in and looks ready to fire, only to scuff his shot woefully.

A loose pass from Koscielny is too strong for Clichy and Birmingham have a throw.

A promising break for Arsenal is halted as Arshavin is caught in possession by Johnson. Arsene Wenger will need the Russian to shrug off his indifferent form and put a performance in today.

Good play from Zigic, holding off numerous challenges from Arsenal defenders. Eventually a cross is whipped in for Bowyer at the back post, who heads across goal for Szczesny to gather.

First save for Szczesny. Keith Fahey curling a decent effort straight at the Pole from 20 yards.

Dazzling dribbling from Samir Nasri. As he has done all season long, he twists defenders one way and then another before firing high and wide at the near post.

The game just starting to settle into a slower pace as Arsenal look to play their brand of passing football.

A lively opening 10 minutes, with both teams having legitimate reasons to think they should be ahead.

Another chance missed from the corner, Johann Djourou with a free-header six-yards out which he can only guide wide!

First chance of the match to Arsenal and Arshavin, and it's a big one. Neat play from Nasri and Van Persie. The Frenchman feeds Arshavin, who rolls his marker before driving low at Foster from 10 yards. The keeper makes a decent stop, but Arshavin should've scored from there.

Robin van Persie attempts a Marco van Basten-esque volley from an acute angle. It's a valiant effort, but never troubling Ben Foster.

An early contender for worst pass of the match by Rosicky, his cross field ball is awfully wayward and flies out for a throw.

Early shades of last season's final, when Nemanja Vidic escaped an early red card against Birmingham's city rivals Aston Villa.

Huge controversy! Lee Bowyer is sent racing through by Nikola Zigic. Bowyer rolls the ball around Szczesny and is brought down, a certain penalty and red card, but the flag is raised for offside and Arsenal are saved! On second viewing, Bowyer is miles onside, an awful decision and the Blues have been robbed!

Barry Ferguson looks to drive at the Arsenal defence and is met by a rigid challenge from Alex Song.

A positive start from Birmingham. Seb Larsson running at Gael Clichy and earning a throw in.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Birmingham start the Carling Cup final.

The players are now going through the many pleasantries required before the game can get started.

The teams are almost ready to emerge in front of 88,000 fans at Wembley...

For Birmingham, they have gone with the lone front man. Big Nikola Zigic will be supported by Bowyer and Gardner from midfield. Martin Jiranek partners Roger Johnson in the heart of defence.

Team news, and Arshavin comes in for Walcott. Tomas Rosicky replaces injured skipper Cesc Fabregas, with Robin van Persie captaining the side in his absence.

The first major final of the season pits Arsenal against Birmingham City. Can Arsenal win a first trophy for six years? Or will the Blues record an historic win?

Jon Carter has <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/883934/six-of-the-best:-league-cup-finals?cc=5739" target="_blank">six of the best League Cup finals</a> from history, while John Brewin previews the final between <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/312300?cc=5739" target="_blank">Arsenal and Birmingham</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0225/wenger,mcleish2010_275x155.jpg"><br>Wenger and McLeish both want their first honours since 2005

Join us at 1600 GMT to see if Arsenal can quench their trophy drought in the Carling Cup final against Birmingham.

Arsenal are enjoying plenty of possession, but Birmingham are staying steady. There have not veen a lot of chances in this game.

Marouane Chamakh is stripped and ready to be introduced for Arsenal...

Alex Song rises highest to meet the cross, his header drifts harmlessly wide.

Robin van Persie being withdrawn after picking up a knock in the first half, it would seem. Bendtner involved immediately, and he wins a free kick for Arsenal...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Nicklas Bendtner on Robin van Persie</b>

A poor pass played down the left touchline by Gael Clichy which drifts out of play. Arsenal have been disappointing so far.

Rosicky is in behind Birmingham briefly after a slipped pass from Nasri. The door is slammed shut as Blues block the cross.

Roger Johnson seems to be moving gingerly again. His withdrawal would be a hammer-blow to Birmingham.

Larsson and Johnson are both back on their feet and, luckily for Birmingham, seem fine.

Sebastian Larsson is down for Birmingham and clutching his knee. Roger Johnson looks like he's receiving some treatment for a spot of cramp.

Beausejour has had an impact since he came on. The Chilean cuts inside Sagna before firing a low cross into the arms of Szczesny.

The match is opening up again and both teams look a little tense. The next goal in this game is huge...

Arsenal attempt to put the pressure on and maintain possession well. The ball reaches Arshavin, who hits a horrible cross straight out of play.

Birmingham clear as far as Wilshere, whose left-footed shot is deflected behind for another corner...

Arsenal respond. Arshavin gets to the byline and cuts a cross back into the penalty area, Bowyer clears for a corner...

Keith Fahey rattles the post for Birmingham City! Djourou loses possession to Beausejour on the edge of the box, before Zigic tees up Fahey. The Irish drills a fantastic drive on goal, which smashes off the upright!

Nikola Zigic wins the ball in the air again, and heads down for Lee Bowyer. The midfielder gets a bit too excited and lashes a wild shot way over the bar.

Arsenal clear and a chance is gone for Birmingham. It would seem set pieces are the best way for the underdogs to find the net again.

Koscielny turns the ball behind for a corner...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Clichy</b> booked for a trip on Larsson. Dangerous free kick for Birmingham...

An odd decision by Alex McLeish to sub Craig Gardner. Their semifinal hero is a life-long Blues fan and he looks heartbroken on the touchline.

The corner is cleared comfortably by Birmingham, who should win most of the aerial duels with their height advantage.

Arsenal corner after Johnson tackles Nasri...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Jean Beausejour on for Craig Gardner</b>

Stephen Carr again gets the better of Arshavin, forcing the Russian into a mistake and it's a Birmingham goal kick.

First shot of the second half goes to Arsenal, Sagna overlaps well to square for Tomas Rosicky. The Czech does excellently to keep his volleyed shot down and it's narrowly wide.

The young England midfielder is on his feet and looks fine to continue.

Jack Wilshere is down after challenging for a cross in the penalty area with Seb Larsson. It did look rather painful...

<b>SECOND HALF</b> Arsenal kick off.

It's almost time for the second half to begin. Both teams will have reasons to be optimistic after that first half.

Arsene Wenger does have options on the bench. He has chief Carling Cup goalscorer Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh to call upon. While the Blues are hardly short of striking options, with Jerome, Martins and the evergreen Kevin Phillips on the bench.

England's game against India is <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/current/match/433568.html" target="_blank">almost over</a> in the cricket World Cup. See what's going on.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0227/robinvanpersiegoal20110227_275x155.jpg"><br>Robin van Persie hooks Arsenal level.

The big talking point of the half was the offside decision against Lee Bowyer in the opening moments. He was clearly onside and Arsenal are lucky to have not conceded a penalty and been down to 10 men.

<b>HALF TIME</b> It's one each at the end of an eventful first half at Wembley. Nikola Zigic had headed Birmingham into a shock lead, before Robin van Persie volleyed Arsenal level.

Arshavin is once again beaten to the punch by Stephen Carr. Arsene Wenger may consider replacing the ineffectual Russian at half time.

<b>FOUR MINUTES ADDED TIME</b>

Lee Bowyer is down again, and he has had an eventful first half. He looks to have injured himself in a nothing challenge with Arshavin.

From the resulting free kick, Foster fumbles into the path of Djourou. With his back to goal, the Swiss attempts to cross but Foster recovers to make the save.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Sebastian Larsson</b> is booked for dissent after Jiranek fouls Rosicky.

Van Persie is back in the action and seems OK to continue. Perhaps Arsenal will take a more in-depth look at him at half time?

Van Persie has hurt himself scoring the goal, this could be a bitter-sweet moment for the Gunners.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Robin van Persie levels the scores!</b> Jack Wilshere rattles the cross bar with a 20-yard howitzer, before Arshavin gathers possession and crosses towards Van Persie. The Dutchman stretches acrobatically to volley right-footed beyond Ben Foster!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Koscielny</b> is indeed the first man in the book.

Birmingham free kick as Koscielny goes in late on Bowyer, the defender could be in trouble here...

More hesitant defending from the Gunners as Ridgewell comes forward. He feeds it to Gardner, who tees up Larsson. The Swede drills a low cross towards goal, which Djourou diverts away.

It could have easily been 2-0 Birmingham, and it probably should be! Gardner controls the ball on the edge of the box and is brought down, the ref waves play on because Zigic is through. His first touch is poor and Szczesny races out to smother the shot. A real let off for Arsenal, who are all over the place at the minute.

Birmingham free kick as Rosicky goes in late on Carr, as he stretches for another terrible Arshavin pass.

Lee Bowyer is down after being hit by the sharp end of Koscielny. The veteran is back on his feet and will be fine to continue.

Arsenal are shell-shocked. It's all going horribly wrong at the moment and they seem to be slightly rudderless.

Better from Arshavin. He gets the better of Carr this time and delivers a low cross into the box which Foster punches clear.

Arsenal almost hit back immediately through Van Persie, who heads Sagna's cross over the top. Wenger will be furious with the goal his team has conceded. Zigic unmarked and Szczesny indecisive, not good at all.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Zigic gives Birmingham a shock lead!</b> The tallest man on the pitch is left all alone as Roger Johnson heads the corner towards goal for the Serb to guide past Szczesny!

Nearly a chance for Birmingham, Fahey's cross looks destined for Zigic's head, but Koscielny heads behind for a corner...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0227/leebowyerbroughtdown20110227_275x155.jpg"> Lee Bowyer is brought down by Szczesny in the opening moments.

Andrei Arshavin is having a shocker. After his miss earlier, this time is absolutely bullied off the ball by Stephen Carr.

Birmingham enjoying a rare spell of possession, before Wilshere robs Bowyer with an excellent challenge. This game needs a goal to kick it into life.

Confusion reigns temporarily for Arsenal as Bowyer looks to capitalise. Djourou hoofs clear to remove the danger.

The game is going through a rather sloppy phase at the moment, which will suit Birmingham down to the ground.

An utterly feeble shot on goal from Arshavin, which rather sums up his season. After decent work from the left, he cuts in and looks ready to fire, only to scuff his shot woefully.

A loose pass from Koscielny is too strong for Clichy and Birmingham have a throw.

A promising break for Arsenal is halted as Arshavin is caught in possession by Johnson. Arsene Wenger will need the Russian to shrug off his indifferent form and put a performance in today.

Good play from Zigic, holding off numerous challenges from Arsenal defenders. Eventually a cross is whipped in for Bowyer at the back post, who heads across goal for Szczesny to gather.

First save for Szczesny. Keith Fahey curling a decent effort straight at the Pole from 20 yards.

Dazzling dribbling from Samir Nasri. As he has done all season long, he twists defenders one way and then another before firing high and wide at the near post.

The game just starting to settle into a slower pace as Arsenal look to play their brand of passing football.

A lively opening 10 minutes, with both teams having legitimate reasons to think they should be ahead.

Another chance missed from the corner, Johann Djourou with a free-header six-yards out which he can only guide wide!

First chance of the match to Arsenal and Arshavin, and it's a big one. Neat play from Nasri and Van Persie. The Frenchman feeds Arshavin, who rolls his marker before driving low at Foster from 10 yards. The keeper makes a decent stop, but Arshavin should've scored from there.

Robin van Persie attempts a Marco van Basten-esque volley from an acute angle. It's a valiant effort, but never troubling Ben Foster.

An early contender for worst pass of the match by Rosicky, his cross field ball is awfully wayward and flies out for a throw.

Early shades of last season's final, when Nemanja Vidic escaped an early red card against Birmingham's city rivals Aston Villa.

Huge controversy! Lee Bowyer is sent racing through by Nikola Zigic. Bowyer rolls the ball around Szczesny and is brought down, a certain penalty and red card, but the flag is raised for offside and Arsenal are saved! On second viewing, Bowyer is miles onside, an awful decision and the Blues have been robbed!

Barry Ferguson looks to drive at the Arsenal defence and is met by a rigid challenge from Alex Song.

A positive start from Birmingham. Seb Larsson running at Gael Clichy and earning a throw in.

<b>KICK OFF</b> Birmingham start the Carling Cup final.

The players are now going through the many pleasantries required before the game can get started.

The teams are almost ready to emerge in front of 88,000 fans at Wembley...

For Birmingham, they have gone with the lone front man. Big Nikola Zigic will be supported by Bowyer and Gardner from midfield. Martin Jiranek partners Roger Johnson in the heart of defence.

Team news, and Arshavin comes in for Walcott. Tomas Rosicky replaces injured skipper Cesc Fabregas, with Robin van Persie captaining the side in his absence.

The first major final of the season pits Arsenal against Birmingham City. Can Arsenal win a first trophy for six years? Or will the Blues record an historic win?

Jon Carter has <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/883934/six-of-the-best:-league-cup-finals?cc=5739" target="_blank">six of the best League Cup finals</a> from history, while John Brewin previews the final between <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/312300?cc=5739" target="_blank">Arsenal and Birmingham</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0225/wenger,mcleish2010_275x155.jpg"><br>Wenger and McLeish both want their first honours since 2005

Join us at 1600 GMT to see if Arsenal can quench their trophy drought in the Carling Cup final against Birmingham.