Arsenal 2 Wigan 0

Walcott tormenting the Wigan defenders last night

We conjured a stop-start display on a very cold, cold last day of November at The Emirates, but it was enough to see off a lustreless Wigan and book our place in the last four of the Carling Cup.
Goals apiece each half by Wigan’s captain for the night, Antolin Alcaraz and Nicklas Bendtner sealed our passage and not too many Gunners would be complaining despite the lack of fluency.
Eight changes were made from the team that beat Aston Villa over the weekend as Arsene Wenger attempted to give many fringe players a game. One of such beneficiaries was Robin Van Persie, who made his first start in over three months for us. His presence in the team was vital as he needs games and match fitness to integrate himself back into the starting line-up and give the runaway and hugely-impressive Marouane Chamakh some competition.
All in all, things worked to perfection on the pitch for us and to make it even better, our path to the final in Wembley next year was made smoother with the shock 4-0 crushing of Manchester United – the only other top six side left in the competition – by wooden spooners, West Ham.


Below are the ratings for the night.
• Szczesny (7/10) – It was nice to see the restless Pole and Fabianski’s compatriot between the sticks. He oozes loads of confidence and even though he is still very much raw, the ability and talent within was apparent. He went about his job with lots of calm but even he must still admit that he is some way off from wrestling the number one shirt from either Fabianski or Almunia – if he returns.
• Eboue (5/10) – Made a surprise and superhuman return from injury just a week after being stretchered off against Braga in Portugal. He wasn’t in peak shape however as he was pulled all over the place by the lively and petite Wigan winger, Victor Moses. He was saved from further torment though when the Wigan man departed in the 39th minute with an unfortunate wrist injury.
• Koscielny (7/10) – Did well on a night that the opposing attack didn’t offer much. Whatever it was that came his way however, he dealt with it professionally. His presence contributed to then panic attack in the Wigan box that brought about the first goal – Alcaraz’s own goal.
• Djourou (7/10) – The more you see of this guy, the more you get the feeling that his Arsenal career has turned the corner. He came for Squillaci, who was reportedly nursing a knock and Johann did his growing reputation lots of credit. Helped snub the threat of Moses and later Charles Nzogbia and his aerial abilities and tackling were a delight to see. Of all our defenders however, he seems to be tops at bringing the ball out of defence and distributing. Keep it up Son.
• Gibbs (8/10) – This could easily go down as his best game for the Gunners this season. It was refreshing to see how his tackling and positional play has improved a lot. One of those chomping at the bits for games and how well he took his chance. Never shirked his duties but like his older colleague and rival, Clichy, he loves bombing forward at very chance. Kept Mario Boselli quite most of the evening.
• Denilson (6/10) – Did his usual stuff without much hassle as he filled in the boots of Song. His lack of speed and upper body strength will always count against him but he loves a crack at the ball and on an occasion like last night, he wasn’t overawed too much.
• Wilshire (7/10) - Our pint-sized, newest Premiership goalscorer ran the show in the midfield as only he knows how to do. Continously demanded the ball and used it with great wisdom and vision. Helped out with some bit of defending when needed and fell back when ever we lost the ball. But it is his attacking instincts that continue to thrill admirers and last night, he showed once more that he is on fire.
• Walcott (7/10) – Another one that needs games to break into the starting line-up and he also took his chance with both hands. Tormented the Wigan defence, particularly Thomas and Steven Caldwell who both couldn’t keep a leash on him. He it was who swung in the precise cornerkick that led to the first goal and was also involved in the second goal by Bendtner as well. He did enough to justify his place for the night.
• Vela (6/10) – Apart from the assist he laid on for Bendtner which resulted in the second goal there was nothing else to send pulse racing about him. He really flatters to deceive and is a lightweight who carries little or no goal threat. He missed several chances as well on a night when he ought to have made a firm claim for a starting shirt. Not convinced about him at all, which is why he will remain our last striking option.
• Bendtner (6/10) – Another one who failed to convince. Yes he scored the second goal but in truth, it was an unmissable chance after all the hardwork had been done and gift-wrapped for him by Walcott and Vela. He never misses a chance to talk up his abilities and impatience with life on the bench but in all honesty he can’t hold a light to Chamakh or a fit Van Persie, or even Walcott. If he delivers on his threat to quit the club, we won’t be missing him.
• Van Persie (7/10) – This was almost an occasion set up for the return of our injury-blighted beloved son and how he was serenaded all night. He showed glimpses of why he is held in high esteem and came through 70 minutes without blemish or damage. It was heartening watching him set up chance after chance for Bendtner, which the latter fluffed consistently. He played as a second striker in a withdrawn role and in fairness, considering how long he has been out, he excelled.






Subsitutes
• Eastmond (6/10) – Came on for Van Persie in the 73rd minute and it is apparent that Wenger likes him and wants to persevere with him. He is still lightweight but has the basics in his game to be a good defensive midfielder. Neat and compact.
• Nasri (6/10) – Also came on in the 73rd minute for Wilshire and by then, we were looking to wrap up the game.
• Emmanuel Thomas (5/10) – Couldn’t do much as time was against him. He came on, five minutes left before fulltime to replace Bendtner and in his case, methink Wenger should disregard the hierarchy nonsense and push him ahead of Bendtner. He carries a greater goalthreat, which you can see from his movement and that counts for much more than Bendtner or Vela can offer at the moment.