Match Analysis: Bradford City 1-1 Arsenal (Bradford win 3-2 on penalties)

Arsenal travelled to Bradford City, a club 65 places below them in the Football League, for a Capital One Cup quarter-final this evening.

Arsene Wenger named almost his strongest XI but the Gunners were downed on penalties after a rousing 120 minutes from the home side.

The hosts had taken the lead through Garry Thompson but were denied a famous win in 90 minutes when Thomas Vermaelen headed an equaliser late on.

Here, Sports Mole casts its eye over a crazy night at Valley Parade.

Match statistics:

Bradford: Shots 5 On target 3 Possession 37% Corners 3 Fouls 20

Arsenal: Shots 28 On target 12 Possession 63% Corners 12 Fouls 12

Was the result fair?

The stats heavily favour Arsenal but Bradford were immense tonight. Those five shots they did have were all good chances. The Bantams were unlucky not to progress in 90 minutes.

Bradford's performance

As mentioned, immense. Phil Parkinson's men defended resolutely and restricted the Gunners primarily to pops from distance. Matt Duke was very solid between the sticks and had the support of an energetic side in front of him that continually frustrated the Gunners.

Arsenal's performance

Very poor. The starting lineup was one that you'd expect to win most Premier League games but they didn't really turn up on a brisk night in West Yorkshire. Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla tried their hardest from the centre of midfield but with the passive Gervinho, Lukas Podolski and Aaron Ramsey in front of them, it was a losing battle.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Nahki Wells: Wells is Bradford's top scorer this season and he had the top-class the international duo of Vermaelen and Per Mertesacker worried for the 74 minutes he was on the pitch. The chance just before the interval where he outmuscled Vermaelen and prodded goalwards was centimetres from going in.

Referee performance

Mike Dean had a solid game, booking players at the correct time and making the right decisions throughout the 120 minutes.

Biggest gaffe

Only one man can claim this award tonight - Gervinho. The Ivorian had an all-round stinker that was capped by a contender for miss of the century in the first half.

What next?

Bradford: The Bantams will hope to maintain their energy for the weekend trip to Southend United

Arsenal: Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to get back to winning ways at Reading on Monday.