Arsenal goalscorer Robin van Persie is being preserved for other games after picking up a slight injury while crashing that spectacular volley past Ben Foster. His replacement? Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner, which should prove something of a relief for Birmingham City's defence. Bentdner's first act is to get knocked over for a free kick in a dangerous position, from which Alex Song's attempted header ends up about 15 yards wide of Foster's right-hand post.
Arsenal Vs. Birmingham City, Carling Cup Final: Robin Van Persie Off, Bendtner On
There's more danger - but not much more - from a Samir Nasri shot from range after the Frenchman twisted the Birmingham defence inside and out at the top of the penalty area before opting to shoot with his left boot and sending a weak effort in the vague direction of the far corner, which the goalkeeper easily smothers. For all of Arsenal's possession in and around the Birmingham area, they haven't generated a clear-cut chance since Tomas Rosicky's miss in the opening minutes of the half.
Meanwhile, Roger Johnson is struggling on with a knee injury, which is severely limiting his mobility. Arsenal are already looking to exploit the resulting hole in Birmingham's lines, and if he doesn't come off soon his side could be in for a lot of trouble.
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