Monday, 28th February, 2011
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish believes that beating Arsenal yesterday in the Carling Cup final was the biggest achievement of his career. The Scotsman picked up two Scottish Premier League titles with Rangers, in addition to two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups, but thinks winning at Wembley beats them all.
"I am so pleased for the fans", said McLeish, "they have craved victory for a long time. Relatively speaking, it is my greatest achievement. For a small club like ours to beat Arsenal was a titanic effort."
Birmingham shocked Arsenal from the off, taking the lead through giant Serb striker Nikola Zigic, before Arsenal levelled matters through Robin van Persie. The Dutchman bent his leg around tight defending and poked a volley home, leaving Birmingham fearing an Arsenal onslaught.
And when it came, the Blues stood firm, taking advantage of a mix-up in the Gunners’ defence as keeper Wojciech Szczeny spilled a Zigic flick on and Obafemi Martins pounced to bag the winner. It was well deserved and Birmingham had had their chances too, seeing a Kevin Fahey shot strike the post.
"With Rangers I was expected to win trophies, even though it is difficult against Celtic", explained McLeish. "To come to England and for a club like Birmingham to beat the might of Arsenal is a dream come true."
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