This weekend, Arsenal will return to Wembley for a League Cup final for the first time in seven years, so let’s look at how things have changed in that time for the two finalists.

2Cup final collapse

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (C) of Arsenal and Laurent Koscielny react after a defensive mistake leading to the Birmingham City winning goal during the Carling Cup Final between Arsenal and Birmingham City at Wembley Stadium on February 27, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal lost the League Cup final in disastrous circumstances.

Obafemi Martins’ late winner meant the club missed out on a trophy again. Robin van Persie’s injury didn’t help either, as he joined Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott as recent additions to the medical room.

Van Persie made it back in time to face Barcelona, but he was controversially sent off as Arsenal lost 3-1.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Robin van Persie of Arsenal reacts as referee Massimo Busacca shows his a red card during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Barcelona and Arsenal on March 8, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
Van Persie sent off for shooting (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

Three consecutive draws meant the Premier League dream disappeared, and Manchester United knocked the club out of the FA Cup.

In just over a month, Arsene Wenger’s side went from fighting on four fronts, to a battle for top four.

Manchester City pushed up the table, overtook Arsenal, but fell short of a title challenge.

They did end their trophy drought though, achieving FA cup success with a win over Stoke City.

Next, role reversal…