Wigan 1 Arsenal 1
(Arsenal won 4-2 on penalties)
by Amar Azam
at Wembley Stadium

After a wait of nine years and having seen much heartache, Arsenal supporters know that the long wait for silverware could soon be over.

Following this slender FA Cup semi-final victory over Wigan Athletic, their manager Arsene Wenger was left pleased after his side saw off lower division opponents to go through to the final next month.

“We have a target now for the end of the season, something to look forward to in the FA Cup final but in the meantime we can concentrate on the league,” said the Frenchman, whose players won a penalty shoot-out to see off the side managed by Uwe Rosler.

“Hopefully this success in the Cup can give us a lift in our remaining league fixtures.”

Arsenal came into this match with a lack of form. Their credentials to clinch the all-important fourth spot in the league has been coming under examination by Everton, who moved past them in the table.

For all their endeavour and spirit, Wigan shouldn’t have been a match for Wenger’s side. However, for large periods, and imbued with self belief, Wigan were dominant.

From the moment that Per Mertesacker lunged in on Callum McManaman to give away a penalty kick, on 63 minutes, the writing looked on the wall for Arsenal, who had been underwhelming. Jordi Gomez put away the spot kick.

However, Wigan failed to capitalise on the lead and the players soon found themselves being pushed back.

The Gunners broke Wigan’s resistance on 82 minutes when Mertesacker atoned for his earlier error by putting his side back on level terms with a headed effort.

Arsenal had chances to win it in extra-time before the tie went to penalty kicks.

However, missed penalties from Gary Caldwell and Jack Collison saw the FA Cup journey end for the holders.