Arsenal vs. Wigan

4-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 14.05.2013
Podolski 11, 68,
Walcott 63,
Ramsey 71

These two final games of the season are must-wins for us, and we are off to a good start with this win over Wigan!

Our first goal came quite early in the first half, but it was not our first chance as Walcott crossed the ball into the box that was met by Cazorla with a header that went wide. Minutes later we got the lead as Cazorla took a corner-kick that was headed into the back of the net by Lukas Podolski from close range! It was quite a relief to get that early goal, even though it would be cancelled out before the end of the half.
   There was, however, much action before that. Our two full-backs linked up to create a dangerous chance as Sagna's shot was almost met by Gibbs, who was inches away from reaching the shot by the far post. The left-back was brilliant defensively as well, doing very well against the ever-dangerous McManaman. In the following minute both Walcott and Arteta saw shots blocked, within mere seconds. We may have produced lots of chances, but we had to remain vigilant at the back as well. Koscielny had to make a vital clearance as Wigan striker Kone got close to a one-on-one with Szczesny about midway through the half. The Ivorian striker would also see a shot going wide before the end of the half, and Arteta had to make an important block as Maloney got a shot away.
   Before the end of the half we had another decent chance following a corner, once again it was Cazorla who took the corner but this time it was met by Koscielny, unfortunately it was not turned into the back of the net this time. Walcott scored from an offside position before Wigan equalised in the very last minute as Maloney scored from a (very cheap) free-kick.

It proved to be detrimental to our second half, as we were far from as fluid in our passing as we could have been. Wigan had a good start, Szczesny had to make a vital save as Kone got a shot away and the visitors had a goal disallowed due to an offside position within the first five minutes.
   Fortunately we made our way back into the game and regained dominance of the play. Walcott provided a brilliant cross that lead to Cazorla getting two shots away, though both were saved by Wigan 'keeper Joel and Rosicky's follow-up effort went wide. The Wigan 'keeper made yet another two saves before we rattled the net again, Podolski had a header saved and Walcott a shot denied by Joel.
   Then came the breakthrough, through none other than Theo Walcott. Cazorla sent a cross into the box and Walcott met it by using his lightning speed, which allowed him to put it over Joel from close range. Five minutes later we increased the lead as our German striker doubled his tally. Yet again Cazorla provided the assist, as he headed the ball to Lukas Podolski, who cheekily lifted the ball over a standing Joel! The last goal came mere minutes after the third goal, and no guesses as to who assisted the goal. Yet again Cazorla proved his brilliant passing, but the goal was a stunning solo effort by Aaron Ramsey! The Welshman advanced along the left-hand side and finished the move in quite some style as his shot came from a rather acute angle!

This game was won and sealed within less than ten minutes in the second half, but it felt as though some nerves got to us when the score-line was 1-1. However, it is the three points that matter and now there is just one win missing from completing this season on a high!