Wigan scores early to shock the Gunners
Source: Agencies |
April 18, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
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WIGAN Athletic pulled off a shock 2-1 win at third-placed Arsenal on Monday to continue their dramatic bid to escape the Premier League relegation zone.
Roberto Martinez's side scored twice in the first eight minutes and although Arsenal struck back quickly at the Emirates Stadium, Wigan hung on to claim a victory that moved them five points clear of relegation with four matches left in the season.
Arsenal stayed third, five points ahead of its north London neighbors Tottenham Hotspur and fifth-placed Newcastle United.
"I am so so satisfied because this wasn't an accident," Martinez said. "The manner in which we coped physically and tactically makes me very proud.
"It was a well deserved three points and to say that speaks volumes about the performance of my players."
Wigan, which beat league leaders Manchester United 1-0 last week, took the lead when striker Franco di Santo scored a classic counter-attacking goal after seven minutes and they immediately doubled the advantage through Jordi Gomez.
"We've had a difficult time and have had to stick together and really stay strong as a group and we've done that," said Wigan captain Gary Caldwell, who kept league top scorer Robin van Persie quiet at Emirates Stadium. "There's still a long way to go and it's still going to be a real battle at the bottom."
Arsenal, which had won nine of its last 10 league matches, were shell-shocked but they regrouped quickly and defender Thomas Vermaelen powered home a header after 21 minutes from Tomas Rosicky's whipped cross.
The hosts continued to dominate possession and Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi made several fine saves to keep his team in front at halftime.
In the second half, Arsenal had all the possession but Wigan could easily have restored its two-goal cushion in the 59th when Victor Moses, a danger throughout, went clean through after more defensive carelessness by Arsenal. However, the forward elected to shoot early instead of closing in on Szczesny and his weak shot was saved.
Wigan climbed three points ahead of 17th-placed Queens Park Rangers and five clear of Bolton Wanderers, who occupy the last relegation spot but have two games in hand.
Roberto Martinez's side scored twice in the first eight minutes and although Arsenal struck back quickly at the Emirates Stadium, Wigan hung on to claim a victory that moved them five points clear of relegation with four matches left in the season.
Arsenal stayed third, five points ahead of its north London neighbors Tottenham Hotspur and fifth-placed Newcastle United.
"I am so so satisfied because this wasn't an accident," Martinez said. "The manner in which we coped physically and tactically makes me very proud.
"It was a well deserved three points and to say that speaks volumes about the performance of my players."
Wigan, which beat league leaders Manchester United 1-0 last week, took the lead when striker Franco di Santo scored a classic counter-attacking goal after seven minutes and they immediately doubled the advantage through Jordi Gomez.
"We've had a difficult time and have had to stick together and really stay strong as a group and we've done that," said Wigan captain Gary Caldwell, who kept league top scorer Robin van Persie quiet at Emirates Stadium. "There's still a long way to go and it's still going to be a real battle at the bottom."
Arsenal, which had won nine of its last 10 league matches, were shell-shocked but they regrouped quickly and defender Thomas Vermaelen powered home a header after 21 minutes from Tomas Rosicky's whipped cross.
The hosts continued to dominate possession and Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi made several fine saves to keep his team in front at halftime.
In the second half, Arsenal had all the possession but Wigan could easily have restored its two-goal cushion in the 59th when Victor Moses, a danger throughout, went clean through after more defensive carelessness by Arsenal. However, the forward elected to shoot early instead of closing in on Szczesny and his weak shot was saved.
Wigan climbed three points ahead of 17th-placed Queens Park Rangers and five clear of Bolton Wanderers, who occupy the last relegation spot but have two games in hand.
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