Arsenal secure an important 4:1 victory against Wigan and will enter the last match of the season in a head-to-head race with Chelsea and Spurs for the Champions League sports. Wigan is relegated.
Arsenal was under pressure especially after Tottenham’s 1:2 victory against Stoke. The Arsenal team knew what was on the line and Wenger said before the game: “Both teams have to go for it, it’s a huge game for both of us.” Wenger started with Monreal for Gibbs on the left. On the other side, Wigan, just won the FA Cup in a sensational match against Manchester City, but battle relegation with Aston Villa and Sunderland FC. Martinez started with the same team that started in the FA Cup.
Arsenal started well especially with Walcott, Cazorla and Podolski. It was Podolski who scored the lead for Arsenal and his 10th Premier League goal after only 11 minutes. Cazorla brought in a corner and Podolski nodded in completely free from inside the six yard box. Wigan was all over the place, but surprisingly equalized the game just before halt-time after a Maloney free-kick in the 45th minute.
Wigan came back strong and Szczesny had to make a great save against Kone. Another goal was disallowed because of off side in the opening minutes of the second half. However, then it was Arsenal who create two huge chances and Joel Robles had to show all his class against Cazorla and Rosicky. Walcott extended the Arsenal lead in the 63rd minute after a great Cazorla pass. Arsenal continued and Podolski scored the 3rd goal only 5 minutes later. Podolski run clear against Robles and lifted the ball over the Wigan goalie. Wigan was in trouble now and threw everything up front to save there season. However, Ramsey cut inside and hammered the ball past Latics keeper Joel Robles – 4:1 Arsenal and Wigan was gone.
For Arsenal, it was a vital win for the Champions League. The head-to-head race will be decided in the last game of the season when Arsenal has to travel to Newcastle. Spurs will face Sunderland and Chelsea will host Everton FC. Newcastle tickets available here.
Wigan, on the other side, is relegated and Martinez is the first manager to win the FA Cup and get relegated in the same season. Wigan will host Aston Villa on Saturday, May 18th.
