By IAN HOLLIDAY
Arsenal hasn't won a trophy since it hoisted FA Cup in 2005, but the Gunners have a golden opportunity to end their trophy drought in this season's Carling Cup. Arsenal will face Championship side Ipswitch Town in on of the competition's two-legged semifinals next month, with a berth in the Feb. 27 final at Wembley on the line. West Ham United and Birmingham City will contest the other semifinal.
The Gunners defeated Wigan Athletic 2-0 in their quarterfinal match on Tuesday, outshooting the visitors 12-2 and looking comfortable in the process. Now, with a favorable semifinal draw and its two potential final opponents currently placed 14th and 20th in the Premier League, Arsenal is the odds on favorite to win the competition.
For that, the Gunners can thank West Ham, which emphatically defeated Manchester United 4-0 in Tuesday's other match. Defender Jonathan Spector started in midfield for the Hammers and netted the club's first two goals. It was a dream appearance for the American, who has seen next to no playing time since Avram Grant took over as the club's manager.
West Ham's victory over Man United wasn't the only upset of the round. Ipswitch got a 69th minute goal from Grant Leadbitter on a penalty kick and held on to defeat Premiership side West Bromwich Albion 1-0 on Wednesday. Ipswitch is currently in 17th place in the English Championship, 24 places below West Brom. That's the largest gap between opponents in any of the quarterfinals.
Also qualifying for the semifinals on Wednesday was Birmingham City, which defeated its crosstown rivals Aston Villa 2-1 in dramatic fashion. After exchanging first-half goals, the clubs remained tied at 1 until the 84th minute, when Nicola Zigic's shot deflected over Brad Friedel and into the Villa net. Despite being thoroughly outplayed by Villa in the second half and managing only three total shots on goal, City held on for the victory.
First-leg matches of the Carling Cup semifinals are sheduled to take place during the week of Jan. 10. The return legs will be played during the week of Jan. 24. Ipswitch and West Ham will host the first-leg matches.
What did you think of this week's Carling Cup action? Surprised by the upsets? Hoping Spector gets a look at defensive midfield with the USMNT? Share your thoughts below.
C’mon you Gooners! Need a trophy this year. It’s been way too long.
While I agree that winning the League or the CL is rather unlikely, I wouldn’t say they have no shot. They’re only a point back from the top, important players like RvP, Walcott and Bendtner are returning to fitness and guys like Nasri and Rosicky are stepping up for Fab. I’d hold off on writing them off until at least Jan. 30th. I know Wenger said he won’t be buying any new talent in the winter period but he’s notorious for doing the opposite of his transfer statements.
I’ve said it before, this is the ONLY trophy Arsenal havea chance of winning this year based on the team they have and the “fragile” nature of most of their main players!
glad to see Arsene did not dissapoint and is going all out for the Carling Cup……Good thing for him none of the other “Big 4 or 5” really cared for it!
Ipswich don’t stand a chance against Arsenal but always great to believe. Hope West Ham can get a leg up over Birmingham. It’d be great to see a non-Top 4 side win a trophy
Arsenal could win their first trophy in years, the Carling Cup, *yawn*.
*Ipswich, mate.
spector should play center back. he’d make for a really mobile CB while still being big and strong.
Avram Grant was quoted as saying they’d been using Spector in a midfield position in training for the past month, so I wonder if he’ll get more time in Prem games there, or if he’s just gonna continue playing holding mid on the scout team.
I think Arsenal will win the Carling Cup for sure.
SPECTOR!!! MESSI!!! That will never get old.