As part of our Carling Cup features with Joys & Sorrows, I am joined by Kev to give his post-match reactions. He has been impressed by our fans who have not hesitated to congratulate them despite the defeat. He also thought Wilshere stood out for us. I previously gave my own post-final comments on the Birmingham site here.
AA: Congratulations again. Does this rank as your biggest ever achievement?
J&S: Thanks Ray. I guess it has to be if clubs are measured by trophies. I was in my 1st year the last time we won the competition - but I'm told that it wasn't seen as a competition with great value then. By comparison, especially with Europa League place at stake - this was fantastic. I have to say it's been building. Over the last couple of years, we've become a harder team to beat. Of course last year we set a new club record for an unbeaten run in the top flight, the number of clean sheets and highest top flight finish for 50 odd years. I have felt that our continual failure was coming to an end.
Had it gone to extra time, what do you reckon the outcome would be?
Hmm good question. I fancied our chances with Martins and Jerome coming on. Both defences were getting tired and I think they would have made life difficult. I thought that that period of pressure you put us under had waned and we were just starting to get a 2nd wind. Having said that, there is no doubt that you had the quality to win it too, so that is just my opinion.
Hmm good question. I fancied our chances with Martins and Jerome coming on. Both defences were getting tired and I think they would have made life difficult. I thought that that period of pressure you put us under had waned and we were just starting to get a 2nd wind. Having said that, there is no doubt that you had the quality to win it too, so that is just my opinion.
Most of us felt that Foster saved you in a 15 minute spell before your goal. Do you agree with this and if not who was your man of the match?
Without a doubt, however not just Ben. The back 4 were awesome. I can't really argue with Foster getting MOM, (it's becoming a habit for him!), but Jiranek was a VERY close 2nd for me. I thought after the first few minutes - he quickly got into the game and was an absolute rock at the back. Blow it, I'm going to say he was my MOM.
Did any Arsenal player stand out for you?
Oh yeah, Wilshere. I was saying to my mate that I'm pleased he is English. I was really impressed with him. He has speed, skill and vision and is going to be a world class player. Also RVP too. I actually applauded his goal, it was sheer class.
I can imagine that the players have been celebrating long and hard after the win. Do you think your players may have trouble refocussing on the relegation battle now that a Cup is already in the bag?
I've wondered that, but knowing McLeish, he won't allow them to. However we have a tough next match facing local rivals West Brom on Saturday morning. I hope that they will give the fans an opportunity to continue to enjoy the win on Sunday.
Where do you see Arsenal´s season going from now on and any final comments?
Destroying Orient will go a long way to helping them re-focusing mate.
Oh yeah, Wilshere. I was saying to my mate that I'm pleased he is English. I was really impressed with him. He has speed, skill and vision and is going to be a world class player. Also RVP too. I actually applauded his goal, it was sheer class.
I can imagine that the players have been celebrating long and hard after the win. Do you think your players may have trouble refocussing on the relegation battle now that a Cup is already in the bag?
I've wondered that, but knowing McLeish, he won't allow them to. However we have a tough next match facing local rivals West Brom on Saturday morning. I hope that they will give the fans an opportunity to continue to enjoy the win on Sunday.
Where do you see Arsenal´s season going from now on and any final comments?
Destroying Orient will go a long way to helping them re-focusing mate.
There does seem to be a mental issue. If Mr Wenger can sort that, you could go on and win a shed load of trophies. I have to say I do enjoy the football the side play, but there are times they are just not clinical enough.
I'll stick my neck out and say you will win one trophy this season.
I also spoke to loads of Gooners on Sunday on the way home and have read loads of websites etc - I have been really impressed with how gracious the fans have been about us. I can imagine that Sunday must have been incredibly disappointing for you all - however you have still been able to offer us congratulations. I really appreciate that.
