Arshavin was left without a trophy

Arsenal and Birmingham City faced off in the final match of the English League Cup at the legendary Wembley Stadium. 92 teams from three divisions began the tournament, which is considered the least prestigious in England, inferior to the championship and the oldest football competition on the planet - the FA Cup.

Andrei Arshavin's team was considered the clear favorite - the game that the players are showing this season allows them to be among the leaders of the English Championship, while Birmingham, which unexpectedly reached the final, is trailing at the bottom of the standings. Russian fans are well acquainted with Birmingham central defender Martin Jiranek, who was captain of Spartak Moscow for several seasons, and striker Obafemi Martins, who arrived on loan from Rubin Kazan.

The scoring in the match was opened by Birmingham striker Nikola Zigic, whose height is 202 centimeters. Naturally, he scored with his head. But Arsenal didn't lose for long; just a few minutes after Arshavin's pass, Robin van Persie equalized the score, 1-1. In the second half, Arsenal had the advantage; Arshavin organized several dangerous attacks, but failed to score, and in the 77th minute, a tired Arshavin was replaced. When it already seemed that the main time of the match would end in a draw, Martins, who came on as a substitute, had his say. After uncoordinated actions by the Arsenal defender and goalkeeper, the Nigerian picked up the ball in the penalty area and scored the winning goal. Arsenal no longer have time to fight back. Birmingham sensationally defeats an eminent opponent and wins the right to play in the Europa League next season.

Before the winner is awarded, commemorative medals are awarded to the losing team. Arshavin did not come to collect his medal; his dreams of winning his first trophy in England did not come true. Bye. The most important meetings in the Champions League and the championship are ahead.