Football: Carling Cup Semi-Final First Leg Ipswich 1, Arsenal 0

Published: 13 January, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

Blunt Arsenal struggle in cup

ARSENE Wenger blamed Arsenal’s congested fixture list for their lack of creativity against Ipswich last night (Wednesday).

The Gunners suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Portman Road in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

Afterwards, a weary looking Wenger said: “We had a lot of the ball but didn’t create many chances.

“We have played a lot of games recently and we were certainly not sharp enough.

“We play at home in the second leg and we’re confident we can still go through.”

Continuing his policy of fielding a strong side in the competition this season, Wenger named a starting line-up that included captain Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin.

But much like their FA Cup tie against Leeds on Saturday, the Gunners looked devoid of creativity as they struggled to break down their Championship opponents.

In fact it took the best part of 70 minutes before Arsenal really forced a save out of Ipswich goalkeeper Marton Fulop. Fabregas played in Walcott, whose attempted dink over the onrushing keeper was blocked for a corner. 

Fabregas then wasted a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when he fired over the crossbar from just six yards out.

A shocking night for Arsenal was compounded in the 78th minute when Tamas Priskin grabbed the winner for Ipswich when he placed a low shot across Wojcieck Szczesny and into the bottom corner of the net.

And it might have got even worse for Wenger’s team if goalkeeper Szczensy hadn’t done well to keep out a late effort from the home side’s Carlos Edwards.