Wenger: Szczesny and Koscielny ‘destroyed’

ARSENE WENGER revealed goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and centre-half Laurent Koscielny were left “destroyed” after their last-minute mix-up cost Arsenal the chance of Carling Cup glory.

“Both of them are destroyed,” said Wenger. “We have to lift them up again and help them, that is what a team is about, that is part of the game.”

On the costly mistake, Wenger said: “It was a lack of communication, determination a little bit as well. Like always, when the ball is in no-man’s land, someone has to take responsibility and go for it. What was amazing was that no-one was going for the ball from Birmingham.”

Wenger continued: “I am bitterly disappointed, like the whole team. We had some problems to start the game, the number of games we played caught up a little bit on us. It took us a while to get into the rhythm and pace of the game.

“In the second half we were on top, unfortunately we couldn’t score the second goal and, in the end, we made a mistake that left us no time at all to respond. We will face a lot of questions after that mistake tonight, but we have to be strong enough to stand up.

“It is a good opportunity to show that we have the mental strength to respond to the situation like that.”

Meanwhile Alex McLeish hailed Birmingham’s success as his “greatest achievement” as a manager.

“With Glasgow Rangers I was expected to win trophies, even though it is difficult against Celtic. To come to England and for a club like Birmingham to beat the might of Arsenal is a dream come true.

“It is especially so for the fans who have had a long wait, those long-suffering Blues fans. No one gave us a prayer, we were underdogs. But sometimes the bookies don’t get it right. After the goal I really did have the vision of the cup in my hands.”