Wigan 1-1 Arsenal (2-4) FA Cup Semi Final - Five Talking Points

After suffering a horrifying month or so, Arsenal looked at the semi finals of the FA Cup as somewhat of an easier fixture, a fixture to get back into the groove. But things did not go as per Arsenal’s plans when Wigan scored the first goal and looked to conjure up another giant killing, having defeated Man City in the last round. Arsenal though eventually had their way with Mertesacker scoring just in time to stretch the game in the extra time which was played out by both the teams without scoring. Penalties, order of the day, decided the outcome and helped gunners into the finals of FA Cup. Here are the five talking points of the match.

1. BFG

The Big F. German -Mertesacker

It was that sort of a day. Per Mertesacker aka BFG was in the frame for all the big moments of the match. No wonder that the match cannot be talked about without naming the Big German in the plot. First he gave away a penalty that was calmly converted and then at the end when defeat looked eminent, he was there, right place right time, glancing in a header for the equalizer. The celebrations that ensued were pretty much descriptive of what BFG feels for the club. The passion and the intensity of the celebrations were hard to miss. There is no doubt that Mertesacker has been instrumental in marshaling Arsenal defence this season. Moreover his leadership skills have been talked and spotted time and time again. Whether it may be giving Ozil a scolding in the middle of pitch, collecting fines on the training ground, teaching someone how to stand in a wall, celebrating an FA Cup semi final equalizer like there’s no tomorrow or formally captaining the team, Mertesacker is all for it when it comes to being a gunner.

2. Wigan, Substitutions & Penalties

One of the biggest mistake that Wigan could and did make was going into the extra time and penalty shoot out with an inhibitory mindset. Having played the game on merit till the point they scored the first goal,the Latics later on went into a preventive mode, trying to defend, taking off their best attacking outlet in the form of Callum McManaman and getting hemmed in and looking to absorb what Arsenal had to offer to them. This mentality kind of ruined the game for them, particularly, when they went into the penalty shoot out (yes, that lottery the commentators keep telling you about). While Arsenal presented their best kick takers from the beginning, Wigan went with the worst to best kick takers which kind of back fired when the first two penalties were saved by Fabianski. Jordi Gomez, who had calmly slotted his penalty in the normal time was not even subjected to take a penalty because of this strategy. Uwe Rosler has done a tremendous job with this Wigan team and would be hoping to clinch a promotion via play offs. Wigan’s journey in the FA Cup typified their character and showed that if and when they turn up,they can beat any side.But few little details and tactics can hamper even the most motivated of the teams and that was pretty much what transpired this time round with Wigan.

3. Ox ticking the box

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain

What looked like another dismal performance by the gunners was somehow accentuated by the fact that Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, pretty much in and out the side in the past month, was able to strengthen his case for the spot in first team. Chamberlain was included in the starting line up due to the unavailability of Tomas Rosicky and was given the role on right flank. Chamberlain looked like the only player who could break the five men defense of Wigan. With his pace and directness Chamberlain created initial chances for himself and Sanogo and was detrimental in providing speed on the break for the team along with Ramsey. Chamberlain could have nicked it in the extra time as his powerful shot struck the post and came back, ultimately he was rewarded for his performance with the man of the match award and a not so creative assist.

4. Still not Arsenal’s Cup to lose.

Despite entering the final of the FA Cup Arsenal don’t really look firm favorite to lift the trophy, particularly after scrapping through the semi Final like this. Another important point against arsenal being favorite is their past. The past, devoid of any silverware, has been the subject of discussion whenever the words arsenal, trophies and championships are mentioned together. Per Mertesacker said in his post match interview that the team was not playing good, and that they were ”timid” in the first half. And this has been that sort of period for Arsenal. From top of the league to languishing for fourth place in a matter of few weeks. Though Wigan were a division two side but the game never looked like between two teams of different divisions. Regardless if it is Hull City or Sheffield, Arsenal won’t have an easy task at hand and should be wary to let the past hound them for future glories.

5. Good Luck Lukasz

Mertesacker, just like all arsenal fans, thanking Fabianski

Undoubtedly, man of the moment for his display in the penalty shoot out. Lukasz Fabianski proved to be Arsenal’s guardian angel, helping them secure the FA Cup finals spot. While many Arsenal fans may be reveling in the fact that the gunners have a great deputy for Wojciech Szczesny and the Goalkeeping positions are more than aptly occupied. But the bitter fact remains that Fabianski has declared his inclination to move on this summer. Being second to his countryman Szczesny at Arsenal, has not helped Fabianski a bit in his attempt to develop his international career. Though he has been more than dependable whenever circumstances have demanded him to and whenever he has been called upon, it would be miracle if he takes a u-turn and stays on with the gunners. Whatever may the future hold, all the buoyant gunners would pretty much like to wish him good luck wherever he goes.