For my plan to work in a final against such a high-level team as Arsenal was one of my best achievements. The main thing was the discipline of the players in terms of their opponents' Ex Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish on 2011 League Cup final glory

"The triumphant manager that day was Alex McLeish, who oversaw his side cancel out a Robin van Persie goal with an effort from Nikola Zigic and a last-gasp winner courtesy of Obafemi Martins. I was proud of that plan, McLeish said. For it to work in a final against such a high-level team as Arsenal. One of my best achievements."

"It was a whirlwind, fantastic football. But we had a whole week to prepare. The main thing was the discipline of the players in terms of their opponents. The Scotsman instructed his full-backs, Stephen Carr and Liam Ridgewell, to follow the Gunners' wingers inside, while telling his wide men to track their full-backs when they jump up to become wingers it worked a treat."

"It was a historic tale, and should have been a perfect campaign for the Blues, but that same season, they were relegated from the Premier League, and are still yet to return 15 years on. It was tragic, the former Birmingham boss admitted."

Birmingham City achieved a historic victory in the 2011 League Cup final against Arsenal, overcoming a goal from Robin van Persie with strikes from Nikola Zigic and Obafemi Martins. Manager Alex McLeish praised the team's preparation and tactical discipline, particularly in countering Arsenal's attacking style. Despite this significant win, Birmingham City faced relegation from the Premier League that same season and has not returned since, highlighting the bittersweet nature of their triumph.

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