This trip has been a long time come. The Gunners have never been to new Wembley but we changed history with an emphatic victory over a resilient Ipswich. Although we were odds on to beat the Championship side, credit must be given to Paul Jewell and the Tractor Boys as they gave us a good fright for over an hour.
It is as if Arsene saw the light at the end of the tunnel and answered many a fan’s prayer when he decided to start with Fabregas and Van Persie for the match. Both players dictate the play and was in control for much of the first half. Van Persie almost opened the scoring for us but he could only divert a Bendtner cross into the bar. At this time we were in full control of the match, and true to their word, Ipswich literally parked their tractor in front of Martin Fulop. It didn’t help that the lads were let down by some poor finishing. Even Fabregas was at fault when he failed to hit the net after being put through by Wilshere.
As the match wore on, you could see that Arsene and the fans were getting a little anxious. However, the brilliance of two young players who made their debuts in this competition put paid to Ipswich’s hopes of an upset. A long crossfielf pass from the excellent Wilshere was controlled brilliantly bu the much maligned Bendtner. The Dane who was also impressive in his last start against Leeds, turned two defenders before curling a shot beyond the grasp of Fulop. You could see the relief etched on everyone after the goal has gone in. After that it was less of a resistance as quick goals from Koscielny and Fabregas gave us the chance to end our trophy drought that everyone seems to harp on about.
If we were to win the League Cup, it would really be fitting testament to Arsene’s grand youth project. No doubt he fielded a stronger side this year in the competition but Tuesday’s starting eleven consisted of 7 players who came up through the academy and made their first team debuts in this competition:
Szcezny, Clichy, Djourou, Denilson, Fabregas, Wilshere, Bendtner.
As we are still in the hunt for all the cup competitions, a win in Wembley could be the catalyst we need to achieve greater success this season including clinching the Premier title again.
Submitted by The Arsenal Kid.
