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The semi-final of the League Cup with a one goal deficit should have presented few problems for the Gunners given the strength of the team fielded by Arsene Wenger. Robin van Persie and Fabregas with Arshavin, Bendnter and Wilshere signalled the importance with which Arsene held this tie. Ipswich signalled their intent with an audacious shot at Szczesny straight from the kick off. Ipswich defended with tenacity and pressurised Arsenal midfield. Arsenal to their credit showed desire and Ipswich were under siege for 49 minutes and Arsenal created a myriad of chances in the first half.
Robin van Persie had two golden chances, the first on the volley after a cross into the box from Sagna, and later a chance of a header which hit the crossbar. Cesc Fabregas had a couple of good attempts, one a shot across goal which Fulop did well to save on the ground, another marvellous reflex left foot shot after a deft chip from Jack Wilshere and a sublime first touch from our captain.
Sagna left the field after a clash of heads with our keeper, and was replaced by Emmanuel Eboue Referee Halsey played almost five minutes of overtime as the half ended. Arshavin’s consistency and a possible Fabregas dive were the main talking points.
Arsenal 0 Ipswich 0 (0-1) agg
The second half started with more passion from Ipswich and they had the earlier of the opportunities. Arsenal responded well and surged forward but yet again were thwarted by a well organised tractor boy back four. There then followed a sustained period of Arsenal pressure with several corners, yet still Ipswich held firm. Delaney was imperious in defence and deserved to still ahead. When Wilshere played a long ball to Niklas Bendtner who played the ball behind him and turned the Ipswich defender inside out and the Danish striker (much maligned by me) produced a rare moment of utmost class and with his right foot curled a shot inside Fulop’s far post.
Arsenal 1 Ipswich 1 Bendtner 60’ (1-1) agg
Within three minutes Ipswich were behind as from a corner Koscielny powered a header into the net from six yards out. He wheeled away and his goal celebration anticipated what appeared to be an impending baby on the way.
Arsenal 2 Ipswich 0 Koscielny 63’ (2-1)agg
Now the home support were in fine voice as previously loud East Anglian chants were extinguished. Arsenal now began to stroke the ball around with more confidence, but a low shot saved by Szczesny at hi9s near post was a clear reminder that celebrations of a final place would be premature. It was abreak away of pure precision which saw Fabregas pick up possession following a fifty challenge by Denilson, our skipper then released Arshavin who made a spirited run down the left flank, with the Russian finally sliding a ball back into Fab’s path who powered the ball low under Fulop’s body to make it three nil to the Gunners.
Arsenal 3 Ipswich 0 Fabregas 76’ (3-1)agg
Arsene Wenger added insult to injury by an extraordinary double substitution after 84 minutes which saw Nasri and Walcott replace Arshavin and Robin van Persie. The crowd were warm in their appreciation of the efforts of the team in Red and White. The game ended with a predictable festival feel. Job well done you Gunners. Who can look forward to Wembley.
Final Arsenal 3 Ipswich 0
Arsenal win 3-1 on aggregate and now can look forward to a chance of winning some silverware at Wembley on Sunday 27th of February.
Teams Arsenal: Szczesny Sagna (Eboue) Koscielny Djourhou Clichy Denilson Wilshere Fabregas Arshavin van Persie Bendtner
Ipswich Fulop, O’dea Delaney Mcalley Leadbitter Norris Healy Kennedy Priskin Wickham Edwards.
FTK
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