ARSENAL SWEAT INTO THE CARLING CUP FINAL

ARSENAL made into the Carling Cup Final on 3-1 aggregate against Ipswich Town with a 3-0 victory in the second-leg semi-final at the Emirates last night. 

Three goals in the second half  through Nicklas Bendtner (60th), Koscielny (65th) and Cesc Fabregas in the 76th minute send the Gunners through.

Despite trailing 1-0 in the first leg, Arsenal started the second-leg with so much potential but they were not up to the end product. With the visitors defence constantly absorbing well and stood their ground. 

In the fourth minute the home side sounded an early warning when right back Bacary Sagna curling cross in the box was met with Robin Van Persie right foot but his shot miss the target completely.

Then in the 18th minute it was Cesc Fabregas turns, when he shot straight into the diving arms of Martin Fulop after a lovely build up. Five minutes later Arsenal had a glorious chance to take the lead. From Bendtner cross on the right Van Persie header strikes of the bar. 

In the 34th minute another golden opportunity wasted with the Arsenal skipper was not quite quick enough to steer the ball into the net.

In the second half Arsenal does not looks mentally affected after the scoreless first half. They remain patient as they continued to build up trying to achieve that most important -  first goal.

Finally their patient paid off when Nicklas Bendtner got the important equaliser right on the hour mark. Jack Wilshere long ball from the Arsenal half found Nicklas Bendtner with acres of space on the left. The Big Dane fine touch and quick feet dance cuts in past a defender before rifle in a low crisp shot at the far post to erase the deficit. 

Moment change dramatically as three minutes later Arsenal made 2-0. Direct from a corner kick the unmarked Laurent Koscielny won a free header in the box.

From then on the home side is in cruise control not to force things out by making unnecessary mistake. Ipswich newly appointed chief, Paul Jewel made some changes in his side but fails to overturn the scoreline. 

But it did not stop from the Arsenal skipper's Cesc Fabregas to add the Gunners third goal in the 76th minute. Through an excellent build up involving Denilson, Fabregas and Arshavin. Denilson provide the initial pass for the Spaniard who race into the Ipswich half, played a one-two with Arshavin before blast in through Martin Fulop legs. 


The final whistle goes and Arsenal are on their way to Wembley courtesy of a 3-1 aggregate victory. Ipswich did well keeping Arsenal at bay for an hour but unfortunately for the visitors, the home side's class and stamina shone through in the end. Arsene Wenger will be hoping that he will able to bring his six year silverware barren spell to an end on the 27th February.