Wigan’s recent David and Goliath-like achievement, conquering the millionaire mercenary footballers of Manchester City, will go down in the echelons of football history, and it has also started a debate around whether or not this feat should be duly recognised with a guard of honour at their next Premiership match scheduled to take place at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
When we analyse the FA Cup final one can point to the fact that ultimately both these teams ply their trade in the same league, so arguably in a battle over 90 minutes anything is possible. This is further backed up by the fact that in their recent Premiership game at the Etihad Wigan outplayed the blue half of Manchester for long periods, but their shortcomings in the final third proved costly as piece of Tevz magic late in the game settled the match 1-0. But the alarm bells were there for everyone at City to see.
This said, when you consider the resources that these two teams have their disposal, these two Premiership teams from the North West really are like chalk and cheese. Whilst Martinez has performed miracle after miracle to keep Wigan Athletic in the Premiership, the irony of this season may well be, that with their first ever FA Cup success also comes relegation after 9 years in the top tier. Manchester City on the other hand, will be wondering how, with all the resources at their disposal, they came to be toppled by the humble Latics.
So, Wigan’s achievement in winning the FA Cup was phenomenal and proves a timely reminder for every other professional club that anything is possible with the right drive, determination and passion. For me, Wigan deserved their guard of honour. Arsenal has a record of being a gentlemanly club and I hope that they afford Wigan this wonderful piece of respect when they entertain the FA Cup winners at the Emirates stadium.
What do you think?
Source: DSG
