Sweden striker Johan Elmander opened the scoring for Bolton in the 21st minute, slamming home a left-footed strike from just inside the area after being put through by a clever Ivan Klasnic flick-on.
Birmingham levelled when Cameron Jerome found the back of the net for just the second time since November, with the striker firing a low shot at the left corner which bobbled past diving Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 38th minute.
City defender Curtis Davies was fortunate not to give away a penalty when replays showed he handled a high ball in the box early in the second half, but referee Phil Dowd could not save the former Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion stopper minutes later when he brought down Kevin Davies in the area.
Bolton captain Davies converted the spot kick in the 66th minute, before City's Kevin Phillips seemingly sewed up a replay for the hosts with a well-weighted lob over Jaaskelainen in the 80th minute.
But any hope of a second trophy for Birmingham this campaign was shattered by Chung-Yong Lee's late winner, which sends Bolton to the final four of the English Cup for the first time since 2000.
Inside a frantic fortnight, the Gunners have been transformed from princes to paupers.
Gone – the Carling Cup. Gone – the Champions League. Gone – the FA Cup.
Okay, the Premier League title wouldn’t be a bad consolation for a season of rich promise. But can the Gooners trust their side to overcome current leaders Manchester United’s challenge?
The boys from Brazil, twins Rafael and Fabio, helped unhinge the Gunners with Wayne Rooney sealing victory with his seventh career goal against Wenger’s side.
The other goalscorer Fabio was, with his twin, instrumental in creating the other goal. Rooney continued the good work with a lofted cross which Javier Hernandez attacked with gusto, his header being kept out by Manuel Almunia. But eager to cash in was Fabio who smashes the follow-up into the roof of the net.
And there was Edwin van der Sar - whose defiance knows no bounds, making saves at the crucial moments.
No comments:
Post a Comment