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Diaby Returns as Arsenal Crash Out of Capital One Cup
Arsenal fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Southampton to fall at their first hurdle in the Capital One Cup. Although not held in high esteem compared to other trophies, Wenger’s usual use of the cup has been to play younger players for experience, an experience that will now not be available.
Arsenal are out of the Capital One Cup before the fourth round for the first time in 12 years
There was some good news last night as Abou Diaby returned to the first team for the first time in over a year, and seemed in decent enough form for the 65 minutes that he played. There were also appearances for Joel Campbell, new keeper Ospina and young defenders Bellerin and Hayden.
The night seemed to be going well early on as Arsenal dominated possession and took the lead through a wonderful Sanchez freekick after 15 minutes. Sanchez put the ball right in the top corner from the dead-ball situation that gave Fraser Forster absolutely no chance in the Saints goal, and when that went in it all seemed to be going to plan.
However Southampton were gifted a way back into the Capital One cup with a stupid challenge from Thomas Rosicky, bringing down Mane (who did go down fairly easily) in the area after 20 minutes. Tadic was never going to waste the opportunity and fired home comfortably from 12 yards to level the scores.
From then on Southampton were the better side, and they added a second goal when a thumping strike from right-back Nathaniel Clyne eluded Ospina’s reach and flew into the roof of the net. Great strike, but I think the keeper could have done more to keep it out if we’re being completely honest.
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From then on Arsenal looked flat and never really threatened. Podolski showed exactly why he’s not getting much game time with a poor overall performance and I think Jack Wilshere is one of those players who get’s trapped trying too hard when it’s not going right for him. He tried to look busy last night but he ended up looking lost, in a similar way to Scott Parker when he couldn’t get his foot on the ball enough.
All in all it was an extremely average performance, and Arsenal are out of the Capital One cup before the 4th round for the first time in 12 years. Not something I’m happy about but I’m not going to lose sleep over it any time soon.
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