The second half has began much as the first ended. Andrei Arshavin and Samir Nasri do their best to dance through a penalty area absolutely packed with Birmingham City players, and utlimately can't find any space for a shot. However, City's defenders can't nick it off them either, and the ball eventually pings out for Bacary Sagna, who swings a cross in for Jack Wilshere to meet. The 19 year-old midfielder doesn't really get it right, though, seeing his effort loop into the air for Ben Foster to collect, and then getting tonked in the head by his marker and going down in some pain. He should be ok to continue after some treatment on the sideline.
Arsenal Vs. Birmingham City, Carling Cup Final: Chance For Tomas Rosicky, Craig Gardner Injured
Being temporarily without Wilshere doesn't seem to be a major issue for Arsenal, however, and they just came within inches of scoring after fine work from Robin van Persie released Sagna for another cross. This time, the ball is cut back, where an onrushing Tomas Rosicky met it on the edge of the box with a crisp volley that flies inches past Foster's right post. Very, very close.
More bad news from Birmingham as Craig Gardner has picked up some sort of injury and won't be able to continue, Chile international Jean Beausajour replacing him. That's pretty much the last thing City wanted to see right now.
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