Watching the FA Cup victory of Wigan over Manchester City, it occurred to me as an Arsenal fan that a Wigan win, having seen Arsenal drawn against the winners of the tie, would probably be the biggest result in Arsenal's season. For make no mistake, a Manchester City side against Arsenal in the semi-final, would've been a different entity to the one which Wigan so ably dispatched. City's arrogance, and expectation of an easy victory, would not have been there.
Take nothing away from Wigan, you can only beat what is put in front of you, and beat them they did, providing a cup upset which is in keeping with many a drama associated with this famous competition over the years, but for 60 minutes, Pellegrini's side looked completely disinterested, as if they were annoyed at having to turn up for such a foregone conclusion. Both teams got exactly what they deserved, and the holders repeated their feat of last year, much to the joy of Uwe Rosler, the Wigan manager, returning to a club he played for many years ago.
For Arsenal fans everywhere, as the minutes ticked away, excitement grew. I found myself edging closer to the television, urging Wigan on, because I am a realist. Manchester City are a wonderful attacking team, when they bother to turn up and play. A semi-final at Wembley would likely have ended in defeat for an Arsenal side desperate to break the run of trophyless seasons, whereas now, Wigan Athletic of the Championship await, and that surely presents a far less daunting fixture for Arsene Wenger's men.
However, Arsenal must take heed from this game, and also from their last visit to Wembley, where Birmingham took the Gunners expectancy, and kicked it squarely in the groin. This FA Cup is far from over. Wigan will not just roll over, and if Arsenal are finally to collect some silverware, they will require the team who dissected Everton in the last round to play, rather than the tepid collection of individuals which donned the shirt for the Britannia Stadium game against Stoke.
Prepare your team well Arsene Wenger. 9 years of trust are riding on it.
Source: DSG
