Arsenal opened the first ten minutes with a number of quick breaks, mostly led by the Ox, which seduced viewers that a great performance was in the offing.
The best chance created saw the Ox cross to Sanogo, whose excellent header was saved by Wigan’s Scott Carson. However, the quick start was a false dawn, as Arsenal then produced one of their most insipid displays of the season.
The team looked hesitant and without drive and were often reduced to playing the ball between defenders, unable to move the ball upfield. Wigan played their part, effectively marking the strikers and midfielders, preventing the Gunners from moving upfield.
Sagna almost scored off a corner, his volley just shading the corner of the post. Sanogo was put through by Ramsey, but his touch was a little heavy and the chance was lost.
The second half featured more of the same with Wigan now making the occasional sortie into the Arsenal half.
Mertesacker rashly fouled McManaman and Wigan were awarded a penalty. Jordi Gomez scored and panic stations ensued.
For the next twenty minutes Arsenal laid siege to the Wigan goal, fearful perhaps of a riot from Gunner’s fans, who were watching in disbelief.
Carson produced several fine saves, the best preventing Kieran Gibb’s header from going into the corner. Sagna had a header glance off the crossbar.
Finally Arsenal scored, Mertesacker managed to equalize and erase his earlier mistake.
At this point I expected Arsenal to win it, either in the remaining time or the overtime to come. I was to be disappointed.
Arsenal did have their chances. Sanogo had at least two, Giroud had one, and the Ox had a shot that smashed against the bar. However, Arsenal just didn’t have the nerves to put this game to bed.
The penalty shootout was decisive. Lukasz Fabianski saved the first two Wigan penalties and the cushion he provided allowed the Arsenal penalty takers to ignore Carson’s antics and to put the game away.
The celebration onfield was boisterous, but I felt more like Arsene Wenger, who retreated quickly down the tunnel, relieved but wondering why they made the game so difficult.
Player Ratings:
Fabianski 9. Man of the match. Not that busy during the match. Did come wondering off his line at one point in the second half. He was sensational in the shootout making two crucial saves.
Sagna 7. Came close to scoring twice and had a solid game defensively. However, he put in a number of poor crosses and like the rest of the team, appeared inflicted with the malaise and nerves of the occasion.
Mertesacker 6. A reckless challenge on McManaman, who wasn’t even about to shoot, conceded a needless penalty. His goal prevented him from being the goat of the game, perhaps the goat of the season.
Vermaelen 6. Had a couple of moments of difficulty dealing with McManaman as well, but he played well against Fortune.
Monreal 5. He too had problems with McManaman. Played poorly for the most part and ended up getting hurt.
Arteta 5. For most of the game he reminded me of Denilson. Lots of back passes with little drive to move the team forward. As Wigan tired and Arsenal pressed for the equalizer he started to come forward more. His penalty in the shootout was excellent.
Ramsey 6. I kept expecting more from Ramsey, but was disappointed. He had a few moments, but often kept the ball too long and he started to make poor passes near the end.
Cazorla 6. Poor first half. He hardly got on the ball and was often bundled over. He started to assert himself later in the second half. Like Charlie Nicholas, I too wonder whether Cazorla is good enough for this team. Too often, against good teams, he just disappears.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 8. Our best outfield player of the game. His drive and pace provided a number of opportunities and created the most problems for Wigan. He too was guilty of some poor passes and lack of control, but he seemed the one who would make the difference. He had a couple of good shots, the best should have been a glorious winner, but it hit the bar.
Sanogo 6. A fine header was well saved by Carson early in the match, denying Yaya his first goal. He had at least six more chances, but lack of control, good saves, poor karma contrived to deny him. He has potential and is getting in the right places most of the time, but he needs to score for his confidence.
Podolski 5. A poor first half display from Lukas. I wasn’t even sure he was on the field. He was a little more involved early in the second half.
Substitutes:
Gibbs 8. A fine performance by Kieran Gibbs, who demonstrated why he gives us so much more than Monreal. A great header was denied by a great save. He added more zip, more breadth to the Arsenal attack.
Giroud 7. He added more physicality to the Arsenal attack. That said, I never had confidence that he’d score. Was solid in the shootout.
Kallstrom 6. Barely got on the field, but was excellent in the shootout.