Wigan go in search of back-to-back wins for the first time this season against Arsenal on Saturday after ending their nine game winless run with victory over Sunderland last week.
The Latics had lost eight in a row before the relegation six pointer against Blackburn a fortnight ago at the DW Stadium which ended 3-3 after they conceded a 99th minute penalty. Normally a setback like that would put another huge dent in the already fragile confidence Roberto Martinez’s side but last Saturday they finally ended their horrific run orchestrating their very own late smash and grab victory in the North East. Franco Di Santo’s injury time winner at the Stadium of Light lifted Wigan off the bottom of the Premier League and more importantly highlighted the never-say-die attitude that has failed to pay dividends in the past couple of months. The level of relief and joy etched on Martinez’s face as he embraced his players was a long time coming for the Latics who hadn’t won a league game since beating QPR at the DW at the back end of August. Their win on Wearside was just rewards for the a spirited performance with the likes of Victor Moses and James McCarthy displaying their class in midfield. The former was a constant threat throughout the game with his pace and skill down the wing and was the source of Wigan’s first goal winning the penalty that Jordi Gomez scored to level proceedings. Then came the dramatic late goal from Di Santo that will set them up nicely for a tough festive schedule that see’s them face Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United in December. Admittedly it’s hard to see them getting anything from those fixtures meaning games against West Brom and Stoke will be labelled must win. It’s a big job for Martinez to now keep maintain the high level of morale that is sure to exist in the dressing room as they prepare to embark on yet another great escape.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have fully recovered from their early season slump and are now brimming with confidence after avoiding defeat in seven of their last eight games. Last week’s 1-1 draw against Fulham at the Emirates ended a run of five consecutive wins since they were last beaten by Tottenham in Octobers North London derby. Arsene Wenger’s side have been unstoppable in recent weeks and are now within touching distance of the top four which is the Frenchman’s primary objective this season. It’s been an astonishing up turn in form from the Gunners who were being touted as serious candidates for relegation following their 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United in August. Since then they’ve gone from strength-to-strength with captain Robin Van Persie leading the charge with 13 goals in as many league games. The Dutchman has finally started to hit the back of the net on a frequent basis with Arsenal benefiting from his injury free run in the side. However it would be insulting not to mention Theo Walcott, Thomas Vermaelen, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Wojciech Szczesny who have all played key roles in the clubs renaissance this season. Van Persie failed to score against the Cottagers last time out as the Gunners suffered a setback in their hopes of moving into the top six and closer to Newcastle who currently lie in fourth. They should return to winning ways in the North West on Saturday having won three of their six games against Wigan since their first meeting in 2005.
Wigan – 19th
Last Five: Won 2-1 v Sunderland (A), Drew 3-3 v Blackburn (H), Lost 3-1 v Wolves (A), Lost 2-0 v Fulham (H), Lost 1-0 v Newcastle (A)
Potential Starting X11: 26. A. Al Habsi 23. R. Stam 4. G. Caldwell [C] 17. E. Boyce 3. M. Figueroa 8. B. Watson 21. M. Diame* 4. J. McCarthy 16. J. McArthur 11.V. Moses 18. C. Sammon
Injury News: Martinez has no fresh concerns going into the Arsenal game with Chris Kirkland the only player currently out injured.
Key Player: Victor Moses
His dynamic performance in last week’s dramatic late win against Sunderland typified why Moses is Wigan’s key player this season. The winger was a constant threat to the Black Cats defence whenever he had the ball at his feet and it was his trickery in the penalty area that led to the Latics’ equaliser. His speed will be key up against Theo Walcott and he may be forced into tracking back more often than he is used too.
Match Fact: Wigan have beaten Arsenal just the once in 12 Premier League meetings losing nine and drawing the other two. Their only victory came at the DW in 2010 when they ran out 3-2 winners thanks to goals from Ben Watson, Titus Bramble and Charles N’Zogbia.
Arsenal – 7th
Last Five: Drew 1-1 v Fulham (H), Won 2-1 v Norwich (A), Won 3-0 v West Brom (H), Won 5-3 v Chelsea (A), Won 3-1 v Stoke (H)
Potential Starting X11: 13. W. Szczesny 6. L. Koscielny 4. P. Mertesacker 5. T. Vermaelen 11. A. Santos 17. A. Song 14. T. Walcott 8. M. Arteta 16. A. Ramsey 27. Gervinho 10. R. Van Persie [C]*
Injury News: Wenger had no new injury worries despite having five first team players currently in the treatment room although none of them look like returning any time soon.
Key Player: Theo Walcott
It’s been a season of vast improvement for the England winger who has finally become a mainstay in the Arsenal side with a series of impressive performances on the right of midfield. Whilst pace has always been his biggest asset Walcott has finally started to produce a final ball which was a hugely negative part of his game. His blistering form for the Gunners should see him tear the Wigan defence apart at every opportunity,
Match Fact: The Gunners enjoy their trips to the North West having won three and drawn two of the six matches they played at the DW since Wigan’s promotion to the Premier League in 2005.
Last time at the DW Stadium
Premier League 29 December 2010
Wigan 2-2 Arsenal
Watson, 18 (Pen) Squillaci, 81 (OG) N’Zogbia, 78 (SO)
Arshavin, 39 Bendtner, 44
Attendance: 17,014
Referee: Lee Probert
PREDICTION
Wigan will buoyed after they finally broke their nine game winless run with victory over Sunderland last week but face a stiffer test against a resurgent Arsenal. Martinez’s men finally got the rewards for their never say die approach to games with that last gasp win in the North East certain to boost confidence levels. However the Gunners are on a roll at the moment and with Van Persie scoring goals like there’s no tomorrow it looks like a second consecutive victory will be a tough ask for the Latics.
Score: 1-3
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