It wasn't supposed to be like this, it was supposed to end much differently in a flurry of red and white confetti with young pups like Jack Wilshire proudly showing off their winners medals – it was supposed to be the confirmation of the arrival of the post-Invincibles as Arsenal trophy winners and the start of a new era. Instead the nightmare scenario of losing another cup final awaits all Gooners this morning as well as the nagging doubts over whether this team can actually cross the finish line to become winners.

Arsenal were the overwhelming favourites, with much of the coverage basically telling Birmingham not to bother turning up. But while the odds put pressure on the Gunners, they gave Birmingham the freedom to express themselves and enjoy the occasion. And it was that freedom which saw Birmingham push and probe to ultimately give Arsene Wenger and his team the Blues. It also meant that since the biblical high of beating Barcelona, Arsenal have drawn with League One Leyton Orient and lost to Birmingham City, a team 16th in the Premier League who Arsenal beat 3-0 at St Andrews just seven weeks ago.

Most Gooner will quite rightfully point to the absence of Walcott and Fabregas for they would have made a difference going forward. But it's at the back that questions are yet again being unanswered by Wenger and the backroom staff. The horrendous error which led to Martins tap in to win the cup had all the hallmarks of a back four who don't communicate and could have all be solved with a shout of 'Keepers' from Wojciech Szczesny.

But he is a young keeper and will learn from his mistakes, what the howler showed is the need for a Tony Adams like centre half, someone who will marshal the back four and get them properly organised at set pieces, something which was horribly lacking yesterday. Paul Merson was right when he spoke on Sky Sports and said if Arsenal had Roger Johnson and Ben Foster they would have won the cup. Johnson is an old-fashioned English centre half, leg hanging off and yet still barking orders at his back-line.

Arsenal have no-one of that ilk, Koscielny has had a couple of great weeks since his inspiring role in the 2-1 triumph over Barcelona, Squillaci is injury prone as is Vermaelen while Djourou has undoubted potential. A respected football manager once told me that any defence needed a 'talker' – someone who barks orders and encouragement throughout the game. It's that sort of player who will get Arsenal defending well again and ensure mistakes like Szczesny and Koscielny's effort are not repeated.

If reports are to be believed, Pat Rice may hang up his assistant manager boots at the end of the season after 30 years of service to the cause. Maybe Arsene could promote Steve Bould from the youth ranks to become his assistant and get him to do what George Graham did when he joined in the late 1980s, drill the back four into a cohesive unit. Failing that I am sure a call could be placed to Gabala in Azerbaijan – come home Agent Adams.....