The Diary Of A Pessimistic Arsenal Fan - Arsenal Freeze While Birmingham Seize

By Shane Thomas

ARSENAL 1-2 BIRMINGHAM (Birmingham win the 2011 Carling Cup)

When I graduated from university, I remember the moments leading up to the ceremony. Many sentiments were expressed, but one stood out above them all; "I hope I don't trip up the stairs." Well, at Wembley on Sunday, Arsenal were clearly petrified of tripping up as they froze against a brilliant Birmingham performance to lose in the Carling Cup final.

The Diary Of A Pessimistic Arsenal Fan - Arsenal Must Jump Their Final Hurdle

By Shane Thomas

The intention of the Premier League season is to determine the merits of its respective clubs. After 9 months and 38 matches, the class will always rise to the top. It allows for the vagaries of player injuries, form and luck. A loss is seldom catastrophic as there's always a chance to make amends next week.

The Diary Of A Pessimistic Arsenal Fan - Arsenal Show Up Fashionably Late To Reach Carling Cup Final

By Shane Thomas

ARSENAL 3-0 IPSWICH (Arsenal win 3-1 on aggregate)

Most people have a friend who is the life and soul of any party. Engaging, witty and magnetic, they're the popular kind of person that makes any gathering worth going to.