Arsenal vs. Birmingham City

The gunner’s power was evident in the first half itself with Robin van Persie and Abou Diaby scoring 2 goals. However Lee Bowyer did manage to grab a goal back for the Blues before half-time. To their credit Birmingham City battled on throughout the second half, nearly grabbing an equaliser ten minutes from time. But it was the Russian magician that scored the final goal of the game to seal victory for Arsene Wenger's side.

Alex Song collected possession 25 yards out, and slipped a lovely low pass through the left side of the penalty area.

Van Persie took the ball on his right, then switched back inside past Stephen Carr before drilling it into the far corner.

Before Birmingham could recover, it was 2-0. Emmanuel Eboue slid the ball to Tomas Rosicky who had made a run into the right-hand side of the box. The Czech Republic international drilled the ball towards the back post, finding Diaby who side-footed the ball back across Joe Hart and into the top right-hand corner.

But Birmingham maintained their strength to scrap their way in.

The Blues finally managed to claw a goal back in the 38th minute through a goalkeeping mistake by Mannone. The ball was launched into the box and the Italian came to collect but flapped under pressure from Larsson. Mannone spilled the ball to the feet of Bowyer and the former Leeds United midfielder finished easily to make the score 2-1.

Arsenal had a great chance to score at the start of the second half. But the Blue’s put up a tough fight. Arshavin, however, settled matters with five minutes left when he slotted home from just inside the penalty area after a quick counter attack.