Bradford City pulled off one of the great League Cup shocks with a penalty shoot-out victory over Arsenal in front of an ecstatic home crowd.

Bradford penalty kings

  • 6 October 2009: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Notts County (h)
  • 10 November 2009: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Port Vale (h)
  • 30 August 2011: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Sheffield Wednesday (a)
  • 4 October 2011: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Huddersfield (a)
  • 8 November 2011: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Sheffield United (a)
  • 9 October 2012: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Hartlepool (a)
  • 30 October 2012: Capital One Cup - Wigan (a)
  • 13 November 2012: FA Cup - Northampton (h)
  • 11 December 2012: Capital One Cup - Arsenal (h)

The League Two side prevailed 3-2 on spot-kicks, to the delight of a capacity Coral Windows Stadium.

Gunners skipper Thomas Vermaelen missed the crucial penalty on a difficult night for the Premier League side, who have won only once in the last six matches in all competitions.

Garry Thompson volleyed the hosts ahead, before Vermaelen headed home a Santi Cazorla cross at the back post with with only two minutes remaining of normal time.

Defeat is another setback in a disappointing domestic season so far for manager Arsene Wenger and his club, who last won a major title in 2005.

Victory for the Bantams means they have now won their last nine penalty shoot-outs and are the first team from the bottom tier of English football to reach the semi-final of the competition since Wycombe in 2006-07.

Wenger had shown his intent with a starting XI that included just three changes from the side that beat West Brom on Saturday and 10 from the one that began the epic 7-5 win over Reading in the last round. French midfielder Francis Coquelin was the only survivor from that game.

The last time the teams met was in the Premier League in January 2001, but they started Tuesday's game 65 places apart in the league pyramid.

Arsenal had the better of the opening exchanges, and both Vermaelen and Lukas Podolski spurned presentable headed opportunities.

Analysis

Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football Analyst

"From Bradford's point of view it has been a magnificent effort.

"They made Arsenal hurry in every single department and played excellent football themselves.

"Arsenal's internationals came on and eventually got the equaliser, but this was such a fantastic effort from City.

"There is such a big gap between these two sides. They made Arsenal look extremely ordinary."

They were left to rue their wastefulness when Vermaelen brought down the lively Nahki Wells and Thompson volleyed home the resulting Gary Jones free-kick from close range to spark jubilation amongst nearly 24,000 supporters in the packed-out home stands.

Coquelin came close to an equaliser for the two-time champions when his low volley beat Bantams keeper Matt Duke but not the post, before Gervinho managed to totally miss the ball when presented with an open goal from Gibbs's low centre.

But the first half belonged to Bradford, who have not lost a Cup game since a 4-2 defeat by Watford in the FA Cup third round in January. Wells nearly doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time but his low half-volley trickled just wide.

The second half started in a scrappy fashion, with the hosts continuing to frustrate Arsenal with their energetic display.

The top-flight side dominated possession, but passing errors and a lack of cutting edge continued to plague their game.

Just when it looked like the team from the fourth tier were going to make the semi-final for the first time in their history, Vermaelen headed in a pinpoint cross from Cazorla to send the game into an extra 30 minutes.

Neither side could find a winner so it was down to penalties and successful efforts from Nathan Doyle, Gary Jones and Alan Connell allied to misses from Cazorla, Chamakh and Vermaelen gave the Bantams a famous win.

The draw for the semi-finals takes place straight after the Leeds v Chelsea quarter-final on Wednesday, 19 December. Along with Bradford, Aston Villa are already in the draw, with Swansea taking on Middlesbrough in the other quarter-final.

Lineup, Bookings (5) & Substitutions (6)

Bradford City

  • 12 Duke
  • 02 Darby
  • 03 Meredith
  • 16 McHugh
  • 23 McArdle
  • 11 Thompson (Jones - 72' )
  • 14 Atkinson (Turgott - 92' )
  • 18 Jones
  • 24 Doyle Booked
  • 09 Hanson Booked
  • 21 Wells Booked (Connell - 74' )

Substitutes

  • 01 McLaughlin
  • 26 Turgott
  • 27 Good
  • 04 Ravenhill
  • 08 Jones
  • 17 Connell
  • 20 Hines

Arsenal

  • 01 Szczesny
  • 03 Sagna
  • 04 Mertesacker
  • 05 Vermaelen Booked
  • 28 Gibbs
  • 10 Wilshere
  • 16 Ramsey (Rosicky - 69' )
  • 19 Cazorla
  • 22 Coquelin (Chamakh - 60' )
  • 09 Podolski (Oxlade-Chamberlain - 69' )
  • 27 Gervinho Booked

Substitutes

  • 24 Mannone
  • 18 Squillaci
  • 25 Jenkinson
  • 07 Rosicky
  • 08 Arteta
  • 15 Oxlade-Chamberlain
  • 29 Chamakh
Ref: Dean
Att: 23,971

Match Stats

Shots

5 28

On target

3 12

Corners

3 12

Fouls

20 12

Live Text Commentary

125:39

Spot kick missed by Thomas Vermaelen.

124:48

Penalty taken by Ritchie Jones is saved by Wojciech Szczesny.

124:14 Penalty

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scores a penalty. Bradford 3-2 Arsenal on penalties.

123:42 Penalty

Penalty scored by Alan Connell. Bradford 3-1 Arsenal on penalties.

123:22 Penalty

Jack Wilshere scores a penalty. Bradford 2-1 Arsenal on penalties.

122:58

A save by Wojciech Szczesny from penalty by Stephen Darby.

122:06

Spot kick missed by Marouane Chamakh.

121:36 Penalty

Penalty scored by Gary Jones. Bradford 2-0 Arsenal on penalties.

120:48

Penalty taken by Santi Cazorla saved by Matt Duke.

120:02 Penalty

Nathan Doyle scores a penalty. Bradford 1-0 Arsenal on penalties.

120:01

The referee calls the first player forward to start the penalty shoot-out.

120:00 +1:09

The match is going to penalties.

120:00 +0:46

Santi Cazorla takes a shot. Save by Matt Duke.

119:59

Foul by James Hanson on Yao Gervinho, free kick awarded. Jack Wilshere restarts play with the free kick.

119:29 Booking

Booking James Hanson goes into the book.

119:14

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Marouane Chamakh by James Hanson. Wojciech Szczesny takes the direct free kick.

118:13

Handball decision goes against Per Mertesacker. Carl McHugh restarts play with the free kick.

116:44

A cross is delivered by Tomas Rosicky.

113:22

Alan Connell is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Wojciech Szczesny takes the indirect free kick.

112:28

The ball is swung over by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

111:03

Santi Cazorla has an effort at goal from outside the area missing to the wide right of the goal.

110:41

The ball is crossed by Bacary Sagna, Rory McArdle makes a clearance.

109:51

Blair Turgott challenges Santi Cazorla unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Wojciech Szczesny.

109:19

Yao Gervinho concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Darby. Matt Duke takes the direct free kick.

107:48

Santi Cazorla has an effort at goal.

105:48

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Santi Cazorla played to the near post, Close range headed effort by Marouane Chamakh misses to the right of the goal.

105:01

The referee blows his whistle to start the second half of extra time.

104:50

Santi Cazorla takes a outswinging corner.

103:18

Kieran Gibbs has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.

100:58

Inswinging corner taken by Santi Cazorla, Marouane Chamakh takes a shot. Matt Duke makes a comfortable save.

99:52

A cross is delivered by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

99:01

Corner taken by Santi Cazorla from the left by-line, Bacary Sagna takes a shot. Matt Duke makes a save.

98:41

Drilled left-footed shot by Kieran Gibbs. Fantastic save by Matt Duke.

96:17

Outswinging corner taken by Santi Cazorla, clearance made by James Hanson.

93:01

Effort on goal by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from 12 yards. Rory McArdle gets a block in.

92:44

Effort from 12 yards by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Rory McArdle gets a block in.

91:14 Substitution

Substitution Blair Turgott replaces Will Atkinson.

91:14

Direct free kick taken by Gary Jones.

91:14 Booking

Booking Thomas Vermaelen goes into the book.

91:06

Alan Connell fouled by Thomas Vermaelen, the ref awards a free kick.

90:00 +4:38

The whistle goes for the end of normal time.

90:00 +3:28

Santi Cazorla produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick, save by Matt Duke.

90:00 +3:28 Booking

Booking Nathan Doyle goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.

90:00 +3:09

Foul by Nathan Doyle on Santi Cazorla, free kick awarded.

90:00 +1:45

The assistant referee signals for offside against Kieran Gibbs. Free kick taken by Matt Duke.

90:00 +1:01

The referee penalises James Meredith for handball. Santi Cazorla crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing, Carl McHugh manages to make a clearance.

89:41

Kieran Gibbs concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Darby. Matt Duke restarts play with the free kick.

88:15

Tomas Rosicky has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box which goes wide right of the target.

87:16

Santi Cazorla provided the assist for the goal.

87:16 Goal scored

Goal - Thomas Vermaelen - Bradford 1 - 1 Arsenal Thomas Vermaelen scores a headed goal from inside the penalty box. Bradford 1-1 Arsenal.

87:04

Centre by Santi Cazorla,

86:38

Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Santi Cazorla.

84:57

Nathan Doyle gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jack Wilshere. Free kick crossed by Jack Wilshere, save by Matt Duke.

83:50

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the target.

82:47

A cross is delivered by Bacary Sagna, Rory McArdle manages to make a clearance.

82:14

Thomas Vermaelen fouled by James Hanson, the ref awards a free kick. Thomas Vermaelen takes the free kick.

81:44

The assistant referee signals for offside against Marouane Chamakh. Matt Duke takes the free kick.

80:06

Jack Wilshere takes a shot. Matt Duke makes a fantastic save.

78:25

Bacary Sagna delivers the ball, blocked by Rory McArdle.

77:21

Foul by James Hanson on Per Mertesacker, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Per Mertesacker.

76:37

Unfair challenge on Ritchie Jones by Jack Wilshere results in a free kick. Gary Jones takes the direct free kick.

74:11

Alan Connell concedes a free kick for a foul on Santi Cazorla. Santi Cazorla restarts play with the free kick.

73:31 Substitution

Substitution Alan Connell is brought on as a substitute for Nahki Wells.

73:10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain crosses the ball.

71:48

Free kick awarded for a foul by James Hanson on Per Mertesacker. Direct free kick taken by Jack Wilshere.

71:10 Substitution

Substitution Ritchie Jones replaces Garry Thompson.

70:35

Corner taken by Santi Cazorla from the right by-line to the near post, Headed effort from inside the area by Marouane Chamakh misses to the right of the goal.

69:56

Corner taken by Santi Cazorla from the right by-line, James Hanson manages to make a clearance.

69:36

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain takes a shot from 20 yards. Save by Matt Duke.

68:29 Substitution

Substitution Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joins the action as a substitute, replacing Lukas Podolski.

68:29 Substitution

Substitution (Arsenal) makes a substitution, with Tomas Rosicky coming on for Aaron Ramsey.

68:29

Nahki Wells challenges Thomas Vermaelen unfairly and gives away a free kick. Wojciech Szczesny takes the free kick.

67:55 Booking

Booking Booking for Nahki Wells.

67:26

Unfair challenge on Jack Wilshere by Nahki Wells results in a free kick. Jack Wilshere takes the free kick.

65:10

The ball is crossed by Garry Thompson, clearance by Per Mertesacker.

62:52

Free kick awarded for a foul by Thomas Vermaelen on James Hanson. Free kick taken by Carl McHugh.

60:29

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Aaron Ramsey by Nathan Doyle. Direct free kick taken by Thomas Vermaelen.

59:53 Substitution

Substitution Marouane Chamakh is brought on as a substitute for Francis Coquelin.

59:27

Yao Gervinho has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the goal.

53:57

Aaron Ramsey has an effort at goal from outside the box which goes wide right of the target.

52:50

Foul by Kieran Gibbs on Nahki Wells, free kick awarded. Gary Jones takes the free kick.

51:13

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Gary Jones, clearance by Per Mertesacker.

50:23

Unfair challenge on James Hanson by Kieran Gibbs results in a free kick. Gary Jones restarts play with the free kick.

47:35

Will Atkinson is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Bacary Sagna takes the free kick.

46:47

The ball is crossed by Kieran Gibbs, clearance by Carl McHugh.

46:00

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jack Wilshere by Gary Jones. Jack Wilshere takes the direct free kick.

45:01

The referee starts the second half.

45:00 +1:46 Half time

Half Time The first half comes to an end.

45:00 +0:07

Effort on goal by Nahki Wells from outside the box goes harmlessly over the bar.

44:35

Nahki Wells produces a drilled right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand post.

42:12

Unfair challenge on Francis Coquelin by Nahki Wells results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Thomas Vermaelen.

40:32

Nahki Wells concedes a free kick for a foul on Thomas Vermaelen. Thomas Vermaelen takes the direct free kick.

39:51

Santi Cazorla produces a drilled right-footed shot from 35 yards and missed to the left of the goal.

38:57

James Hanson is ruled offside. Indirect free kick taken by Wojciech Szczesny.

38:30

Unfair challenge on Garry Thompson by Kieran Gibbs results in a free kick. Gary Jones takes the free kick.

38:02

Effort on goal by Santi Cazorla from just inside the area clears the crossbar.

37:44

Francis Coquelin takes a shot from a just insdie the box and hits the post.

37:11

Aaron Ramsey produces a cross, clearance made by Carl McHugh.

35:17

Aaron Ramsey produces a cross.

33:24

Kieran Gibbs has an effort at goal from the edge of the box that misses to the right of the target.

31:16

Jack Wilshere has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide right of the goal.

30:44

Corner taken by Santi Cazorla, James Meredith manages to make a clearance.

29:49

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Yao Gervinho by Stephen Darby. Jack Wilshere restarts play with the free kick.

29:31

Effort on goal by Garry Thompson from 18 yards. Save by Wojciech Szczesny.

28:55

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Gary Jones, Per Mertesacker makes a clearance.

27:07

Unfair challenge on Santi Cazorla by Rory McArdle results in a free kick. Lukas Podolski produces a strike on goal direct from the free kick, Carl McHugh gets a block in.

26:48

Shot by James Meredith. Blocked by Per Mertesacker.

25:11

Centre by Bacary Sagna, clearance by James Meredith.

23:01

Gary Jones takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post.

22:07

The referee blows for offside against Yao Gervinho. Indirect free kick taken by Matt Duke.

21:25

Nahki Wells delivers the ball.

20:31

Nathan Doyle challenges Aaron Ramsey unfairly and gives away a free kick. Francis Coquelin takes the direct free kick.

18:23

The ball is delivered by Lukas Podolski, Rory McArdle makes a clearance.

16:47

Corner taken by Santi Cazorla from the right by-line.

15:26

Assist on the goal came from Gary Jones.

15:26 Goal scored

Goal - Garry Thompson - Bradford 1 - 0 Arsenal Garry Thompson finds the net with a goal from inside the box high into the middle of the goal. Bradford 1-0 Arsenal.

14:44

Foul by Kieran Gibbs on Nahki Wells, free kick awarded. The ball is sent over by Gary Jones,

14:27

Santi Cazorla has an effort at goal from 25 yards. Blocked by James Meredith.

13:29

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Santi Cazorla by Gary Jones. Santi Cazorla takes the direct free kick.

11:10

Jack Wilshere crosses the ball, Header on goal by Lukas Podolski from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.

8:38

Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Santi Cazorla, Header on goal by Thomas Vermaelen from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.

8:21 Booking

Booking The referee cautions Yao Gervinho for unsporting behaviour.

8:03

Free kick awarded for a foul by Yao Gervinho on Matt Duke. Matt Duke restarts play with the free kick.

6:47

Corner taken right-footed by Santi Cazorla, clearance made by Carl McHugh.

5:27

Unfair challenge on Per Mertesacker by Nahki Wells results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Wojciech Szczesny.

4:46

The referee blows for offside against James Hanson. Wojciech Szczesny takes the free kick.

4:15

The offside flag is raised against Yao Gervinho. Matt Duke takes the free kick.

3:51

The offside flag is raised against James Hanson. Wojciech Szczesny restarts play with the free kick.

3:34

Stephen Darby produces a cross.

3:13

Free kick awarded for a foul by Santi Cazorla on Nathan Doyle. Matt Duke restarts play with the free kick.

2:57

Aaron Ramsey crosses the ball, clearance made by Rory McArdle.

0:59

Centre by Garry Thompson, Per Mertesacker manages to make a clearance.

0:38

Nahki Wells fouled by Jack Wilshere, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Gary Jones.

0:00

The game kicks-off.

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