SBNation.com - Capital One Cup: Arsenal stunned by Bradford Cityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2012-12-12T12:10:48-05:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/35204412012-12-12T12:10:48-05:002012-12-12T12:10:48-05:00A meaningless defeat for a meaningless team
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<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths</figcaption>
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<p>Arsenal's defeat last night didn't actually mean anything, but a psychological blow is never a good thing for such a mentally weak side.</p> <p>Among the haze of the floodlights and frozen breath, the cheers and celebrations of Bradford players and fans, the tears of joy and sadness, the dread-filled trudge off the pitch towards an ill-mannered dressing room, team-talk, and press-conference, the mockery, the furious headlines, the Piers Morgan retweets and the general despondency and elation, it's easy to have failed to spot something fairly important about <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal's</a> defeat at the hands of the mighty Bradford City last night - it doesn't mean anything.</p>
<p>In the coldest of lights, Arsene Wenger's biggest regret will probably that he fielded a full-strength team, tiring them out for the weekend - that's how little it means. The Carling Cup is the trophy no big club wants, an achievement that carries about as much prestige as being Foursquare mayor of your local Chinese restaurant. Nobody knows quite when it suffered such a fall from grace. Some claim it was when squad rotation led to a collection of kids and unwanted carthorses being fielded. Some claim it was with the birth of the Premier League and all its glamour and riches. My dad claims it was when West Brom won it in 1966. However we got here, the truth is that it doesn't matter.</p>
<p>There's a lot of consternation about this obviously true viewpoint, which usually centres around the following: "Look at those Bradford players and tell us it means nothing." "The whole point of football is to win trophies in the first place, not celebrate fourth place like it's a great triumph!" And if you're feeling particularly cruel, "This could be a route into the Europa League for Arsenal." This is nonsense, of course - Arsenal do want to be winning trophies, but they don't want to be winning this trophy. They want to be finishing fourth because of the future glamour and adventure of European away trips it brings, and the hope of eventually jumping up and down on some sponsored plywood at the end of the season, not standing next to an unwanted pot that screams mediocrity.</p>
<p>There is one other point to be made, however, that has some more weight. When <span>Jose Mourinho</span> guided <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> to a League Cup win in 2005, he made the point that a trophy win early on was important to build a winning mentality. Brian Clough would've agreed. Success breeds hunger for further success, inspiring a winning streak an an ingrained determination as exemplified by the likes of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>. That's the theory, at least.</p>
<p>It follows that no other team is more in need of a dose of winning mentality than Arsenal at the moment, and in assuming that you gain a winning mentality by winning trophies, there we spot the vicious circle on the horizon - Arsenal can't win trophies because they don't have a winning mentality, but they can't get a winning mentality because they can't win trophies. For all the popular psychology, the practical advice on offer is about as much use as "try to score more goals than the other team."</p>
<p>It's not as if Arsenal didn't try to win. They fielded a full-strength side and still lost. They also tried against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/birmingham">Birmingham City</a>, and lost. They've tried to win it every single year - some years harder than others, admittedly, but that mental weakness has always prevented them. There is no other explanation as to why they continually miss such metaphorical open goals (<a href="http://t.co/c0Sps3DO">and in the case of Gervinho, literal ones.</a>)</p>
<p>Arsenal may think they're going through an identity crisis at the moment, but it has lasted an awful long time, and the view from outside the club and its fans may not agree - the defeat only backs up their persona of perennial bottlers. A personality transplant is long overdue for this team, and the longer it takes, the more disasters like last night will become commonplace. They're beginning to look like a rich man's Wigan - yes, they qualify for the Champions League every year, but they never threaten to win it. They don't do anything - they're just <i>there, </i>making the place look untidy.</p>
<p>Yet when the mist has cleared, it will be remembered that last night's defeat was a purely psychological one, a PR exercise. Good news for Arsenal? Not quite. A fabled 'winning team' would use a defeat to turn their fortunes around, hitting rock-bottom like an alcoholic and bouncing back with a run of victories. <span>Arsene Wenger</span> used to be very good at getting teams to do this, before he built a squad that was even better at using them as excuses to hide, cower, and retreat. A defeat that only affects your mentality can't be shrugged off when you have a team so lacking in backbone.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/12/12/3758854/arsenals-defeat-to-bradford-a-meaningless-defeat-for-a-meaninglessCallum Hamilton2012-12-11T18:06:11-05:002012-12-11T18:06:11-05:00Arsenal lose to Bradford: The Twitter reaction
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<figcaption>Shaun Botterill</figcaption>
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<p>You may have noticed that <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a> contrived to lose to Bradford City on penalties in the quarterfinals of the League Cup. Worse, they did so while playing what was essentially a full strength side. Naturally, Twitter's provided us with some ... um ... incisive commentary. Take it away, internet!</p>
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<p>From an Arsenal point of view though, that's woeful. Spineless doesn't even come close. Too many bottlers in the team.</p>
— arseblog (@arseblog) <a href="https://twitter.com/arseblog/status/278628003959959552" data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:31:07+00:00">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>Going to go put my nipples in clamps now, bc I don't think it's possible to get more pressed.</p>
— Allison (@maliciousglee) <a href="https://twitter.com/maliciousglee/status/278627401070678016" data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:28:43+00:00">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>I've got a pot of cream that's past the sell-by date. Smells funny. Maybe if I let it sit out it will turn into Creme Fraiche. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23ArseneKnows">#ArseneKnows</a></p>
— 7amkickoff (@7amkickoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/7amkickoff/status/278630380628738048" data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:40:34+00:00">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>Ivan Gazidis hosts the Arsenal Supporters Trust tomorrow night to, I kid you not, spread some 'Christmas cheer'. Good luck with that, Ivan.</p>
— Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SiClancy/status/278627084694335488" data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:27:28+00:00">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>Our best XI lost to a side who are 4th in League 2 - Arsene, please, for the love of God, resign.</p>
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/278626943170121728" data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:26:54+00:00">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan">piersmorgan</a> Evening Tubby. You ok?</p>
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) <a href="https://twitter.com/themichaelowen/status/278627291565805568" data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:28:17+00:00">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>Arsenal almost pulled off the upset ...</p>
— <span>Amobi Okugo</span> (@amobisays) <a data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:32:55+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/amobisays/status/278628457125134336">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>Glad Arsenal are not playing on the weekend because it means they can't ruin my weekend like they normally do</p>
— Mrs T Henry/Brendan (@nadiashnry_14) <a data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:39:53+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/nadiashnry_14/status/278630208276398080">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>Trying to decide whether it's even fair to bring my kids up as Arsenal fans... do I really want to subject them to nights like that?</p>
— Arsenal Opinion (@ArsenalOpinion) <a data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:41:08+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/ArsenalOpinion/status/278630525084770304">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>Vermaelen misses. Arsenal lose. The Short Fuse will now consist of red panda gifs for the indefinite future. It's been nice knowing everyone</p>
— The Short Fuse (@TheShortFuse) <a data-datetime="2012-12-11T22:24:55+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/TheShortFuse/status/278626443427184641">December 11, 2012</a>
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<p>Isn't Twitter a magical place?</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/12/11/3756444/arsenal-vs-bradford-city-twitter-reactionGraham MacAree2012-12-11T18:04:54-05:002012-12-11T18:04:54-05:00Lambert returns to cage the Canaries
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<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>Three late goals pushed Paul Lambert and Aston Villa in the the semifinals of the Captial One Cup</p> <p>For nearly 80 minutes at Carrow road it looked as if <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Aston Villa</a> and <a href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Norwich City</a> would be heading for extra time in the Capital One Cup quarterfinal draw. Then Villa's offense exploded for three goals in the final 10 minutes and allowed former Canaries boss <span>Paul Lambert</span> to get what will likely be a satisfying victory.</p>
<p>Lambert received a mixed response from fans as he walked out on the pitch before kickoff. While there was an applause from most fans, jeers could be heard from fans who still haven't forgiven the man who left Norwich after bringing them all the up from League One.</p>
<p>Norwich went ahead in the 19th minute after a ball was cleverly flicked in to the path of Steve Morison who calmly lifted a shot over <span>Shay Given</span>.</p>
<p>Villa wasted no time answering back as <span>Brett Holman</span> put home an equalizer less than two minutes later. Holman picked up a knocked down long ball and put hit shot past <span>Mark Bunn</span>.</p>
<p>Despite chances for both sides over the next hour, no one could break the deadlock. Just when Norwich was starting to look the more dangerous side though, the floodgates opened in the other direction.</p>
<p>In the 79th minute, <span>Eric Lichaj</span> race down the right side and sent a low cross right to <span>Andreas Weimann</span> who was perfectly placed at the far post for the easy tap-in. Weimann netted a second five minutes later, putting home a pass from <span>Christian Benteke</span>.</p>
<p>Benteke got a goal of his own in stoppage time, sending a powerful shot past Bunn from just on the edge of the penalty box.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/12/11/3756420/norwich-city-vs-aston-villa-2012-capital-one-cup-final-score-match-report-resultZach Woosley2012-12-11T17:33:15-05:002012-12-11T17:33:15-05:00Bradford stuns Arsenal, advances on penalties
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<figcaption>Laurence Griffiths</figcaption>
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<p>Arsenal played their first team in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, but couldn't get by League Two side Bradford City, who advanced on penalties.</p> <p>Coming off a brilliant game in the last round of the Capital One Cup, which featured nine goals, Arsenal have produced another cup classic. Unfortunately for them, the dramatic match didn't turn out in their favor this time around. League Two side Bradford City turned in an incredible performance, holding out for a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes and defeating the Gunners on penalties.</p>
<p>Bradford stunned Arsenal by going ahead after 16 minutes, through Garry Thompson. He got on the end of a flick by Will Atkinson and finished, sending the home fans into raptures. Arsenal had a great chance to equalize in the 41st minute through Gervinho, but he completely squandered a brilliant ball by Keiran Gibbs and missed when it was easier to score.</p>
<p>The second half featured a whole lot of nothing going both ways, with Bradford sitting on their lead and Arsenal doing very little to create chances. Arsenal eventually broke through, with <span>Thomas Vermaelen</span> netting their equalizer just before full time. After a corner was deflected back out to <span>Santi Cazorla</span>, he played a cross to the back post and found his captain inexplicably unmarked for a simple goal.</p>
<p>At the very end of regular time, Arsenal laid siege to the Bradford goal but couldn't manage a winner. Matt Duke came up huge, making two saves in the 94th minute to force extra time. During the extra periods, Arsenal was predictably on the front foot for the entire 30 minutes, but never found a breakthrough. They came closest through Cazorla, who rattled the bar with an incredible shot in the 108th minute. Incredibly, Bradford held onto the draw, and the match headed to penalties.</p>
<p>Bradford went up 2-0 early, thanks to a Duke save on Cazorla and a <span>Marouane Chamakh</span> penalty that hit the post. The Gunners got back into the shootout thanks to a save by <span>Wojciech Szczesny</span> on Ritchie Jones and a miss by <span>Stephen Darby</span>, but Vermaelen missed the decisive shot, striking the post with <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal's</a> final penalty to send Bradford through with a 3-2 shootout victory.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/12/11/3756070/bradford-city-vs-arsenal-result-final-score-match-reportKim McCauley2012-12-11T10:38:31-05:002012-12-11T10:38:31-05:00Capital One Cup: Arsenal hunting silverware
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<figcaption>Richard Heathcote</figcaption>
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<p>Arsene Wenger is apparently lifting his youth player policy for this cup run in an attempt to finally end Arsenal's seven year trophy drought, while Paul Lambert returns to Carrow Road for the first time since he left the club.</p> <p><i>All times 7:45pm local, 2:45pm ET unless stated.</i></p>
<p>There are eight teams left with a shot at the Capital One Cup, formerly the English League Cup. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> and Arsenal are the big names, but neutrals and supporters of the other six clubs are no doubt hoping they have better things to do and we are left with a potentially entertaining story as this cup tournament roles on. Then again, Arsenal having a chance to actually win a trophy could be considered a potentially entertaining story.</p>
<h3>Tuesday</h3>
<h4>Bradford City <span style="line-height: 9px;">vs. </span>Arsenal (BeIN Sport 1 (U.S.)/Sky Sports 1 (U.K.))</h4>
<p>The pressure is firmly planted on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal's</a> shoulders in this match. The Gunners haven't won a trophy of any significance since the 2005 FA Cup, so while the league cup may not be as flashy as some other options, it's still a legitimate piece of silverware. <span>Arsene Wenger</span> is actually going to lift his usual policy of playing youth players in this tournament as the Gunners go all out to finally win something.</p>
<h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/">Norwich City</a> <span style="line-height: 9px;">vs. </span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a>
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<p>The most interesting storyline in this match won't be anything on the field. Well, by the time the match finally kicks-off attention will turn to that, but in the run up and during the pre-match pomp and circumstance, you can be sure that Norwich supporters will have plenty to say to Aston Villa boss <span>Paul Lambert</span>. Lambert left the Canaries under somewhat acrimonious circumstances at the end of last season and there's a good chance the fans will let him hear it for the decision. As for the match, it's not exactly the most exciting offering though Norwich are certainly the team in better form at the moment.</p>
<h3>Wednesday</h3>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/swansea-city">Swansea City</a> vs. Middlesborough</h4>
<p>Tony Mowbry's Middlesbrough side know it's a long shot for them to defeat Swansea. Fortunately for them, cup competitions are made for long shots. Swansea are slumping a bit at the moment and will be without several players due to injury, including first choice goalkeeper Michael Vorm. Then again, Middlesbrough have injuries of their own and a massive league game against Wolves on the weekend to worry about.</p>
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<p>Now you're probably saying to yourself, why are there are only three quarterfinal matches? Shouldn't there be a fourth? Very astute of you and there's a good reason why there are only three this week. Chelsea will face Leeds United in the fourth quarterfinal match, however the Blues are participating in the Club World Cup this week and so the match has been pushed back to December 19th.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/12/11/3754494/capital-one-cup-quarterfinals-2012-preview-arsenal-chelseaZach Woosley