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Birmingham shocked Arsenal in the Carling Cup final as Obfemi Martins capitalised on a defensive mix-up to secure a last-gasp 2-1 victory at Wembley.
With extra time looming, a header from Nikola Zigic
caused panic in the Arsenal box and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny gifted the ball to Martins, who supplied the simplest of finishes.Robin van Persie's
equaliser had earlier cancelled out Zigic's opener in a pulsating encounter full of chances and controversy.Arsenal's quest for a first major trophy in almost six seasons had dominated the build-up to the Wembley showpiece but it was Birmingham, without any significant silverware since 1963, who started the brighter.
There was a major talking point after just a couple of minutes when Szczesny brought down Lee Bowyer in the box but the flag had already been raised, incorrectly, for offside.
Alex McLeish's Blues
were finally rewarded with the opening goal in the 28th minute as Roger Johnson headed a corner towards goal and the giant Zigic nodded home.Zigic was denied by Szczesny when one-on-one with the goalkeeper moments later before Arsenal finally started to discover some fluency and equalised on 39 minutes.
Jack Wilshere
struck the woodwork but the rebound fell to Andrey Arshavin, who did well to set up Van Persie for a fantastic volleyed finish.Arsenal looked more settled at the start of the second period than they had in the first but were unable to take firm control against a Birmingham side playing positively and working hard.
The danger posed by Birmingham was evident just before the hour mark as Keith Fahey's low shot ricocheted agonisingly off the post.
Ben Foster then kept Birmingham level with a series of fine saves and it looked as though extra time would be needed to settle the sides until substitute Martins slammed home the winner in the 89th minute.
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