Wigan Athletic v Arsenal | Matches

Arsenal V
Manchester City
29TH NOV 2011

Saturday 3rd December
Kick off: 15:00
The DW Stadium

Wigan Athletic
0 – 4
Arsenal

Olympiacos V
Arsenal
6TH DEC 2011

HIGHLIGHTS

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Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.

Full Time FT: 4-0 to the Arsenal. A dominant display from the Gunners, who now rise to fifth in the Premier League table. A very satisfying afternoon's work from Wenger's side. Four goals, three points - excellent.
Top Comments:
- stelmarkou on Twitter says:
  
  To the guys that say Arsenal is a one man team I would kindly ask them to watch #MOTD tonight. All the best!
90

TWO MINUTES ADDED ON: We're approaching the end of a very comfortable Arsenal showing.
89

STAY ONLINE: We'll be back in the studio with Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke after the game. CALL +44 (0) 207 607 3200 or E-MAIL studio@arsenal.co.uk
89

Substitution AND OFF HE COMES: Diame is replaced by James McArthur.
88

Yellow Card DIAME IS CARDED. That's a really poor challenge on Ramsey, and the midfielder sees yellow.
87

'OLE!' - Can you guess where that's coming from?
86

POOR FROM VAN PERSIE: Am I allowed to say that? Probably not. But with men over the Dutchman's pass to Arshavin is far from his usual standards.
85

Yellow Card COQUELIN GOES IN THE BOOK: The young Frenchman picks up a yellow.
84

BENAYOUN WAS IN THERE! He looks for the clever one over Al Habsi but Caldwell clears his lines.
84

'HE SCORES WHEN HE WANTS', comes the anthem from the Arsenal fans behind the goal. Their captain has done it again. A machine.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Arsenal still searching for a fifth goal. There is still a fifth in here if they fancy it
80

Substitution ...AND FINALLY COQUELIN: It's goalscorer Gervinho off.
80

Substitution ...ON COMES BENAYOUN: Alex Song makes way.
80

Substitution TREBLE CHANGE: Walcott comes off to a standing ovation, and is replaced by Arshavin.
78

GREAT WORK FROM WALCOTT: The winger cuts back for the captain, who fires home. You would never bet against him missing that.
Top Comments:
- SaintFrankly on Twitter says:
  
  So Arsene really does know? Called for Patience with Theo, Song & Ramsey. Where's your black scarf now?
78

GOAL! - Robin van Persie 0 : 4 IT'S THERE! VAN PERSIE MAKES IT FOUR!
Top Comments:
- MrMarkAdamson on Twitter says:
  
  RVP is really enjoying his football at the moment. Always good to see players play with a smile on there faces.
76

THE RAIN POURS DOWN: It's hammering it down in Wigan now. The swirling wind isn't helping either.
74

ARTETA TESTS AGAIN: The Spaniard tries another effort from range, but it bounces into the grateful arms of Al Habsi.
74

ARTETA TESTS AGAIN: The Spaniard tries another effort from range, but it bounces into the grateful arms of Al Habsi.
74

NO SIGN OF SUBS YET: They're all warming up on the near touchline - but nobody's been called to the bench just yet.
73

Yellow Card BOOKING FOR GOHOURI: Clattenburg shows yellow
72

WIGAN WIN THE CORNER: A good run forward from McCarthy sees the ball played to Di Santo. The sub looks to shoot but sees his effort deflected over. Szczesny gathers from the corner.
70

RAMSEY LASHES OVER: The young midfielder gets himself into another shooting position on the edge of the box but blazes over the bar.
68

MERTESACKER HEADS AWAY: The German has been strong alongside Thomas Vermaelen this afternoon. They haven't had too much to do, but what they have done, they've done well.
Top Comments:
- ElCapitan_Pedro on Twitter says:
  
  Midfield is fine, the strikers are fine, the defense is fine but Koscienly needs to learn that position and Santos gain speed
67

'ONE ARSENE WENGER': The cry from the Arsenal horde. They're enjoying this.
67

GET ON TWITTER: Join all this afternoon's debate with the #ArsenalLive hashtag.
66

GET IN TOUCH: E-mail our commentary team at studio@arsenal.co.uk.
66

JUST A ONE-MAN TEAM? Three goal and not one for Van Persie - so far.
Top Comments:
- 4Mvanderwoodsen on Twitter says:
  
  Wenger sure did his job of rallying the lads to score more!! Great to see more players stepping up
64

VAN PERSIE SHOULD SCORE! He'll be kicking himself for that. Song is fouled on the edge of the box but play goes on with RvP. The Dutchman gets himself into a fine area but skews his effort wide with his wrong foot.
63

ARSENAL IN CRUISE MODE: That's the goal they needed. Perhaps we may see the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain soon.
61

LOVELY WORK FROM VAN PERSIE: The captain plays the one-two with Song, cuts inside one and forces the save from Al Habsi. Gervinho is quickest to react, finishing into an empty net. That'll do him the world of good.
Top Comments:
- BfloDude on Twitter says:
  
  Was mesmerized by Arsenal's buildup play leading to that sublime goal by the under appreciated Gervinho. The Gunners are on song today.
61

GOAL! - Gervinho 0 : 3 ARSENAL HAVE A THIRD! GERVINHO GETS HIS GOAL!
59

Substitution ...AND ON COMES CRUSAT: Gomez is the man making way.
59

Substitution DOUBLE CHANGE FOR WIGAN: It's Di Santo on for Sammon...
59

ARTETA GOES FOR GOAL: That's not far off from the Spaniard. Not quite like his first effort, mind.
59

MOSES IS A DANGER: The winger forces Song into a fine challenge inside the box and Arsenal eventually clear.
58

EASY FOR SZCZ: Jordi Gomez floats in the free-kick but the Pole holds on easily.
57

Yellow Card MCCARTHY FOULED BY SONG: The Cameroon man goes in the book for obstructing the young midfielder. Good position for Wigan.
56

DIAME STRIKES JUST WIDE: And that's just why. On a tight angle the midfielder rifles a low effort just past Szczesny's goal.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Twitter says:
  
  Arsenal need to keep their discipline and concentration here. Giving up a goal would be incredibly disappointing.
56

ARSENAL WOULDN'T MIND ANOTHER: A two-goal lead is certainly nice but it's far from safe - as Arsenal full well know here.
54

VITAL DEFENDING FROM CALDWELL: Walcott chips into the box for Van Persie to head towards goal - but the Wigan captain hacks clear off the line.
53

BALL CUT OUT BY WIGAN: Gervinho looks to dink one into the box for Van Persie but it's forced away by the hosts.
51

Yellow Card CALDWELL SEES YELLOW: Silly challenge on Ramsey and the Scot goes into the book.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  First caution of the game and that was just stupid. Caldwell was booked for what I can only call a horribly mistimed tackle on Ramsey
51

REPLAYS SHOW CONTACT: It may have been a little harsh but Gohouri certainly pulled the midfielder there. He was living incredibly dangerously.
50

THAT HAS TO BE A PENALTY! It looked like Ramsey was pulled down inside the box. But referee Mark Clattenburg says no.
Top Comments:
- rosssarsenal on Twitter says:
  
  That is a stonewall penalty. Poor from Clattenburg.
49

RAMSEY STRIKES OVER: Arteta feeds the Welshman, who is urged to shoot at the first attempt by the Arsenal fans. He probably should have as well, firing well over on the second attempt.
48

HIGH AND WIDE FROM GOMEZ: Wigan have started well this half, but the midfielder's strike is well over into Row Z.
47

BOSS IS ON THE TOUCHLINE: We didn't see too much of Wenger in the first half but he's out straight away in the second period.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  There are no changes in the second half from Arsenal, but what would you change? They have been completely dominant.
46

TIMELY REMINDER OVER THE TANNOY: He informs us all once more that Wigan have indeed come back from two goals down against the Gunners in the last two seasons at this ground.
46

AND WE'RE OFF ONCE MORE: Wigan get us back underway here at the DW Stadium.
Top Comments:
- Gabrielsema on Twitter says:
  
  @Persie_Official on the score sheet would be the icing on the cake
Half Time HALF-TIME: Wigan 0-2 Arsenal. Wigan started so brightly inside the first 20 minutes but dropped off completely. Arsenal took full advantage and hold a strong lead.
Top Comments:
- CHIMWAVE on Twitter says:
  
  Solid first half boys let's get some goals in the second so we can up our goal difference and win the game comfortable!
45

EXCELLENT FROM MERTESACKER: Diame threatens as he bears down on goal but the big German slides in with a fine challenge.
Top Comments:
- JessLouiseF on Twitter says:
  
  Nice to see Mertesacker tackling, that's what we bought him for. That and to add some extra height to our defences for set pieces
45

ARSENAL WILL GO IN AHEAD: We'll have one added minute.
44

NEARLY FOR GERVINHO! The winger is played through on goal, but superb defending from Wigan sees him eventually pushed wide.
Top Comments:
- vivek_Gooner on Twitter says:
  
  I guess, in Gervinho, we have found a player similar to Freddie... Makes so many runs behind defense... Great movement... Goals will follow!
43

CALDWELL SUMS UP THE HALF: The captain picks the ball up out wide and looks for Gomez - but it's horrible and goes out for a throw. The locals are getting restless.
42

#ARSENALLIVE US: Get on Twitter and have your say.
42

GET IN TOUCH: What have you thought of the first half? studio@arsenal.co.uk is the e-mail address to reach us at.
40

IT'S SO COMFORTABLE: Gervinho almost pokes home, but he's offside. Arsenal have time, space and look good value to get another.
Top Comments:
- JasonFlexDeejay on Twitter says:
  
  I know Gervinho was offside there, but he just can't seem to score one-on-ones at all. He's had loads but I don't remember him scoring one
38

GOOD BALL KOSCIELNY: Flowing move from Arsenal. Eventually it's worked to the Frenchman out wide, but his cross is headed clear.
36

IT'S A FUNNY OLD GAME: You certainly wouldn't have put Arsenal two goals to the good after the opening 20 minutes. Wigan have barely threatened since.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  It was a nervy first 20 minutes, but Wigan couldn't get that first goal and now Arsenal is surging with confidence.
35

GREAT SAVE AL HABSI! The Oman international goes from zero to hero with a fine save from Van Persie. Gervinho found the Dutchman, whose sweet volley looked destined for the net.
34

ARSENAL WELL ON TOP NOW: The Wigan heads have dropped well and truly. This one is there for the taking, Arsene Wenger knows it and so do the team.
33

AL HABSI AT FAULT AGAIN? You'd have to say he probably should have saved the second too. He won't be too pleased with himself.
32

ARSENAL HAVE A CUSHION: They won't know how they've done it, but the Gunners are two goals to the good. Two goals seemingly out of the blue - but it matters not. Real daylight for Arsenal.
30

TWO-MINUTE SALVO FROM ARSENAL: Van Persie curls in the corner and Vermaelen leaps highest to find the corner with a superb header. What's happened at the DW?!
29

GOAL! - Thomas Vermaelen 0 : 2 IT'S NUMBER TWO! VERMAELEN HEADS HOME!
29

THAT'S COME FROM NOWHERE: Vermaelen strides forward and picks out the Spaniard, who drives forward, shoots and somehow finds the back of the net. But Al Habsi was certainly a guilty figure - it looked like it went straight through his hands.
Top Comments:
- sumehr4292 on Twitter says:
  
  Did anyone else notice that the furthest player for Arsenal when Arteta scored was Vermaelen, god that man is a machine
28

GOAL! - Mikel Arteta 0 : 1 ARTETA STRIKES ONE HOME! A HOWLER FROM AL HABSI!
Top Comments:
- nishu_r on Twitter says:
  
  where did Arteta keep that all along??? beauty ...
27

LOVELY BALL FROM STAM: The full-back gets forward and curls in a delightful cross - but there's nobody on the end of it once more.
26

RAMSEY WHIPS ONE IN: But there's only Van Persie in the box. A touch would have taken that goal-bound, but instead Al Habsi claims.
25

VAN PERSIE FLOATS ONE IN: Vermaelen is the target but Gohouri wins the aerial battle. The Gunners are building some pressure.
24

ALL QUIET AT THE DW: The game has settled into a scrappy affair in truth. Arsenal are finding their feet though, which is encouraging.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Arsenal really starting to dominate possession now. It’s still nil-nil but Arsenal are really starting to get on top.
22

REACH US THROUGH TWITTER: Same place at the #ArsenalLive hashtag.
22

GET IN TOUCH: E-mail Tim Peters and Richard Clarke in the commentary box at studio@arsenal.co.uk
20

KOSCIELNY FLICKS IT ON: The Frenchman was first onto that ball, but there's a host of bodies in the way and the ball bounces wide.
20

CORNER TO ARSENAL: The first of the game for the Gunners after the set-piece was diverted away.
Top Comments:
- Rgunners on Twitter says:
  
  Need to take full advantage of the corner kicks with Koscielny, Mertesacker and Vermaelen all capable of scoring!
19

CHANCE FOR THE BIG MEN TO GET FORWARD: Wigan give away a deep free-kick and Arsenal's centre-backs stride forward.
18

NEARLY AN OWN GOAL! Arteta picks out Walcott with a delightful ball inside the full-back. The England winger fires in a cross which Gary Caldwell spins fortunately into the arms of Al Habsi.
Top Comments:
- KrisMason999 on Twitter says:
  
  Settling into the game nicely now, seing a lot more of the ball in dangerous areas
17

VERY FEW CHANCES: Aside from Wigan's early effort which looked destined for the net, there's been nothing of note to report. Arsenal are settling in finally.
15

ARSENAL ARE STRUGGLING: There's no cohesion or fluidity within this team yet this afternoon. In truth, Wigan simply haven't let them play yet.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Arsenal not comfortable at the moment. Wigan are making things very difficult for Arsenal in the early stages.
14

JUST TOO LONG FOR VAN PERSIE: Vermaelen tries to seek out his captain from the back but it's just too long for the Dutchman.
12

WIGAN STILL MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT: You wonder how much longer they can keep this up but Wigan are well on top at the moment.
11

SANTOS GOES FOR GOAL: The Brazilian marauds forward and strikes one over the bar.
Top Comments:
- TheRealF10 on Twitter says:
  
  Personally very happy with the Santos buy, very good player overall. His great flair doesn't hurt either
9

GOOD HANDS SZCZESNY: The Pole rises highest and claims with ease.
9

SLOPPY DEFENDING FROM ARSENAL: A harmless ball into the Arsenal box should be dealt with easily - but instead Santos chests out for a corner looking for his keeper.
Top Comments:
- kts_gunner on Twitter says:
  
  Didn't like the first 10 minutes. The boys don't seem to be paying much attention at the back. It can be dangerous.
8

ARSENAL NEED SOME POSSESSION: They probably didn't expect this from Wigan today. It's all about patience as per.
6

HOW ARE WIGAN NOT AHEAD?! Jones' ball into the box is pushed away by Szczesny but only as far as Jordi Gomez. The Spaniard has the goal at his mercy but Santos gets a crucial block and Arsenal escape. A huge let-off.
Top Comments:
- ddebaydgunners on Twitter says:
  
  Wigan are taking the game to Arsenal... that was close from Gomez
5

PROMISING MOVE BREAKS DOWN: Walcott makes up 25 yards with a quick burst through the middle and feeds Gervinho. The Ivorian tries to sniff out Van Persie but the pass isn't quite up to scratch.
4

WIGAN IN A GOOD POSITION: Sammon picks up a long ball over the top but Vermaelen does just enough to usher him to safety. The hosts have started very brightly.
2

MOSES SHOT DEFLECTED: The former Crystal Palace winger had a pop at goal, but sees his deflected striker drop into the arms of Szczesny.
2

ARSENAL FANS ALREADY IN VOICE: There's a good few thousand of them this afternoon and they're already enjoying the afternoon.
Top Comments:
- Tim Peters on Arsenal Player says:
  
  It looks like about 4,000 fans and I believe they have sold it out. A good away contingent for Arsenal today.
1

SZCZESNY ALMOST SOLD SHORT: It's a dodgy backpass from Koscielny with a lurking Sammon, but the Pole gets there first.
1

AND WE'RE OFF! Arsenal get us underway.
DW STADIUM PAYS ITS RESPECTS: There was a minute's applause for the sad loss of Gary Speed last weekend.
AND HERE THEY COME: The players are out on the pitch, the handshakes are done and we're ready to get things underway.
ONE UP FRONT FOR WIGAN? It looks like Connor Sammon may be the lone ranger this afternoon. Obviously Victor Moses will be looking to provide. He's certainly a tricky customer worth watching.
Top Comments:
- dejilinho on Twitter says:
  
  Big test for Andre Santos if V. Moses plays on the right.
PREDICTION TIME: What are we all feeling this afternoon? I don't want to jinx things, but I do believe Arsenal will win this comfortably today. I'll say 2-0.
Top Comments:
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  I can only see one winner here. I'll say 3-1 to Arsenal
OX IS IN THE SQUAD: It's another chance for the youngster to impress if he gets some pitch time this afternoon. No doubt plenty of eyes will be on him after that showing against Manchester City.
Top Comments:
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  There is competition for places now and Theo has raised his game since the emergence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
GET US ON TWITTER: As always, you can have your say with the #ArsenalLive hashtag.
GET IN TOUCH: Tim Peters and Arsenal.com editor Richard Clarke are the men in the commentary box this afternoon. Get in touch with them at studio@arsenal.co.uk.
TEN MINUTES UNTIL KICK-OFF: It's a chilly afternoon in the North West but we're not far away from kick-off.
WIGAN ARE STRUGGLING: The Latics have just nine points all season. Although in fairness, four of those have arrived in the last two games.
Top Comments:
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  Wigan certainly try to play the right way. They struggle to attract players. It’s not easy to bring players up there and Dave Whelan hasn’t spent much recently. I think that by trying to play pretty football against teams like Arsenal it’s actually to their detriment.
ARSENAL FANS PACKING OUT: They've got the whole stand to themselves behind the goal this afternoon. No doubt they'll be the ones making all the noise.
UNBEATEN IN SIX: The Gunners head into this one in strong league form, winning five of those. Here's hoping Fulham was simply a minor blip.
Top Comments:
- Kamal_SCP on Twitter says:
  
  Looking forward to Arsenal match, need to respond after Fulham match. No offense Wigan but fully expect to batter them, hope RVP scores.
CAN ARSENAL BEAT THEIR HOODOO? Well, sort of. They've not won at the DW Stadium in their last two visits, with late goals proving frustrating on both occasions.
Top Comments:
- Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
  
  The DW has been a bit of a bogey-ground in recent years. But I think the players will go there with extra determination this time knowing that they dropped five points at Wigan in the last two years. That’s why I’m confident of a win this time.
SUBSTITUTES: Pollitt, Crusat, Watson, Di Santo, McArthur, Rodallega, Lopez.
WIGAN: Al Habsi, Figueroa, Gohouri, Caldwell, Stam, Diame, McCarthy, Jordi Gomez, Jones, Moses, Sammon.
SUBSTITUTES: Fabianski, Djourou, Benayoun, Coquelin, Arshavin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh.
Top Comments:
- poney626 on Twitter says:
  
  Nice to @Alex_OxChambo on the bench for Arsenal; shame he's not in the starting 11
ARSENAL: Szczesny, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Andre Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Gervinho, Walcott, Van Persie.
TEAM NEWS: Two changes from last week's draw with Fulham, as Laurent Koscielny and Gervinho come in for Johan Djourou and Andrey Arshavin respectively.
GOOD AFTERNOON: Welcome to a grey DW Stadium, where Arsenal look to continue their impressive run of form in the Premier League.