League Cup Winners 2011

Real Talk Football would like to congratulate Birmingham City FC who upset the odds and beat Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley to win the English league cup.

Birmingham's Nikola Zigic's opening goal was cancelled out by Arsenal's Dutch striker Robin van Persie, until Nigerian striker Obefemi Martins came on for the Blues, to score a last minute tap in after a shambolic mix up in the Arsenal defence.

Birmingham now are guarenteed a European spot, while Arsenal's trophy drought continues, and Gunners' fans patience is now wearing thin.

Carling Cup Final Preview

This Sunday see's the first domestic silverware of the Premiership season come available, with Arsenal facing Birmingham City for the Carling Cup. Wembley will host the first of many football finals this season, with the English League Cup the first trophy up for grabs.

This game is an important incentive for both teams, as it is a benchmark for the rest of the season, with Arsenal still fighting in all four competitions, and Birmingham aiming to boost a team who have been hovering just above the relegation zone.

Arsenal will be looking for their first trophy since winning the FA Cup final in 2005, while Birmingham’s last trophy was the League Cup; which they won in 1963, and they were runners-up in 2001.

Some football fans question the importance of the League Cup trophy, but looking at recent winners of the tournament, they are all clubs who have been competing for that illustrious Premier League top four spot. It’s evident that with the European place also on offer with a victory, and the importance of it being a the first trophy on offer, it is definitely a big incentive.


Previous Winners

2005 – Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1
2006 – Manchester United beat Wigan 4-0
2007 – Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1
2008 – Tottenham beat Chelsea 2-1
2009 – Manchester United beat Tottenham 0-0 (4-1 pens)
2010 – Manchester United beat Aston Villa 2-1

With that list of former winners, try telling Alex McLeish or Arsene Wenger the Carling Cup isn’t an important trophy.


Route to the final

Arsenal

- 3rd round – Beat Tottenham 4-1
- 4th round – Beat Newcastle 4-0
- 5th round – Beat Wigan 2-0
- Semi-finals – Beat Ipswich Town 3-1 over two legs

Birmingham City

- 3rd round – Beat MK Dons 3-1
- 4th round – Beat Brentford 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw
- 5th round – Beat Aston Villa 2-1
- Semi-finals – Beat West Ham 4-3 over two legs

Injury news

Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Walcott (ankle), Fabianski (shoulder), Vermaelen (Achilles) all out.

Birmingham: Hleb (knee), Jerome (ankle), Jiranek (thigh) all doubtful, Bentley, Davies, Doyle (all cup tied), McFadden (knee), Valles (foot) are out.


Key Players

Robin van Persie

In 20 appearances this season, the 27 year old has 13 goals and 3 assists. Since the turn of the year, Van Persie has been in great form, spearheading Arsenal’s attack. With Cesc Fabregas missing the final through injury, he will captain the side, aim to lead by example and be the difference on the day.

Jack Wilshere

The 19 year old has come to the forefront as one of the best midfielders in the Premiership this season, despite such a young age. He has started 21 Premier League games this season, and played in 24 league games in total. He is now a full England international, and after his impressive performances in the Champions League have seen him receive plaudits from some of the world’s best players.


Ben Foster

The 27 year old had big shoes to fill after signing from Manchester United last summer. He has been the back bone of the Birmingham side, playing in all 26 league games this season. He has kept 8 clean sheets this season, and can expect to be tested at Wembley by this strong attacking side.

Craig Gardner

The 24 year old centre midfielder scored the winner in the semi-final win over West Ham, sending the Blues to Wembley. He has been a revelation for the midlands club since joining from rivals Aston Villa a year ago, and has chipped in with 5 goals this season.


Probable Line-ups

Arsenal: 4-2-3-1


Birmingham City: 4-4-2


Let us know who you think will win the Carling Cup final by casting your vote in our poll

Premier League Preview - Birmingham City

Birmingham City



Birmingham, arguable next to Fulham, was one of the most impressive and consistent sides in the Premiership last season. Alex McLeish’s men were renowned for their excellent performances at home as well as against the “big four”.

Most noticeably they were the best performing of all the promoted teams, finishing in 9th place with an excellent tally of 50 points. They also set a club record 12 game unbeaten run and a Premier League record for naming the same starting 11 for nine games in a row.



Players such as the club such as Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer becoming a vocal point in the side, using their experience in order to add balance to the side as well as much needed leadership. Cameron Jerome impressed up front chipping in with 11 goals, while defenders Roger Johnson and Scott Dann’s defensive partnership were the basis for a sold Birmingham side.

The cornerstone of Birmingham’s excellent season was the performance of on loan goalkeeper Joe Hart, who’s performances earn rave reviews, a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination, being named the goalkeeper in the PFA Team of the Year, as well as Birmingham player of the year, which all subsequently earning him a place in the England World Cup squad. It would be fair for new signing Ben Foster has a lot to live up for.



Key Player: Roger Johnson

The 27 signed from Cardiff City last summer and was a hit in the Premier League after establishing himself as a very good and highly capable centre back. He played 35 Premier league games last season, and his ability and commitment to the cause is what is needed for a difficult second season in the English top flight.

Manager: Alex McLeish

Key Signing: Ben Foster

As stated earlier, the former Manchester United goalkeeper has big shoes to fill after Joe Hart left a very good impression on the fans. The 27 year old has played for as many as 9 clubs in 10 years, but has found his chances very limited at the top level. Now it seems that Foster has a permanent home and has no better chance to solidify his position as a number one goalkeeper and possibly return to the England squad.



Aims: A strong cup run, as well as a mid table finish

Prediction: 11th

With an impressive season last year, I believe they are weaker side this time round since they have a relatively untested player in goal at Premiership level. They say goalkeepers can win you games, and Joe Hart is one of those players, while Ben Foster will have to maintain these high standards in order to continue Birmingham’s Premiership stay. However the rest of the squad have the hard working mentality instilled through manager Alex McLeish, so with this added experience of the previous year in the league, coinciding with the signing man mountain Nikola Zigic, Birmingham should be able to maintain their stay and gain a comfortable mid table finish.

First Five Fixtures: Sunderland (A), Blackburn (H), Bolton (A), Liverpool (H), West Brom (A)

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