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Wigan Athletic vs. Arsenal: The Gunners Look To Get Back To Winning Ways
Kush Sharma looks at this weekend's fixture and gives his take as to whether Arsenal can continue their resurgence following the midweek defeat to Man City...
02-Dec-2011 9:11:00 AM
By Kush Sharma
Arsenal’s wings were clipped by Manchester City on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup at the Emirates as Sergio Agurero’s lone goal ended Arsene Wenger’s side’s impressive unbeaten streak. The Gunners still have the perfect opportunity to regain their winning touch on Saturday when they visit struggling Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
The Latics’ dismal start to the season sees them lying 19th in the league table with a mere 9 points from 13 games. Arsene Wenger could not have asked for a better tie as his side look to restore their winning ways after firing blanks in an uneventful draw against Fulham last weekend. Arsenal recently enjoyed a run of 11 victories from 13 outings in all competitions.
Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is the only injury absentee for Wigan, while fullback Antonio Alcaraz is suspended. For Arsenal, defenders Carl Jenkinson (back), Bacary Sagna (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (Hernia) are all out. Midfielders Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Ryo Miyachi (ankle sprain) are also unavailable.
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. Having made 10 changes to the starting lineup against Manchester City, the Arsenal manager will be equipped with a fresh squad to face Roberto Martinez’s side.
Many had questioned Wenger’s decision to leave Gervinho on the bench against Fulham. And it wasn’t off the mark as Andrey Arshavin, who replaced the Ivorian in the starting eleven had an all too familiar poor display.
Awesome Twosome!
Gervinho’s introduction sparked the game alive for the Gunners, and his omission from the starting lineup in the Carling Cup fixture means Wenger will be fielding the usual attacking trio of Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott and Gervinho. Thomas Vermaelen, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Wojciech Szczesny have all played key roles in the clubs renaissance this season and they are expected to start once again.
Victor Moses poses the greatest threat to the club from North London .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’ equalizer. His speed will be key up against Theo Walcott and he may be forced into tracking back more often than he is used too.
Defensive frailties had been Arsenal’s Achilles heel for quite some time and a significant factor in the 6 year trophy less run endured by the Gunners. But it seems to be a thing of the past as a much compact, solid and resilient back four have replaced it, adding much needed steel to Wenger’s side.
Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny both started in the midweek fixture against Manchester City , and in the absence of the injured Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson , the money will have to be on the Frenchman to start as a make shift right back , considering the fact that he was rested for the game against the Cottagers last weekend.
Thomas Vermaelen scored at both ends in that game and is sure to partner Per Mertesacker in the centre of the defence. Andre Santos would be asked to play a typical South American fullback role against a struggling Wigan side, shouldering more attacking duties than defensive ones.
Although Arsenal’s Dutch Talisman Robin Van Persie would once again be the bookies favourite to put the ball behind the net, the midfield trio of Mikel Arteta, Alex Song and Aaron Ramsey would do well to find Arsenal’s in form English Winger Theo Walcott more often than not.
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.
Can His Side Surprise Arsenal?
Roberto Martinez’s side goes into this fixture in search of back to back wins for the first time this season. But given Wigan’s consistently barren displays, Arsenal would be the team expected to come out on top of this battle. However, having maneuvered a U-turn themselves after being written off initially, Arsene Wenger’s side would do well not to belittle any other team’s capacity to carry out something similar.
Depreciating the prowess of a wounded side of is the only mistake Arsenal can make when they travel to the DW stadium.
The Latics’ dismal start to the season sees them lying 19th in the league table with a mere 9 points from 13 games. Arsene Wenger could not have asked for a better tie as his side look to restore their winning ways after firing blanks in an uneventful draw against Fulham last weekend. Arsenal recently enjoyed a run of 11 victories from 13 outings in all competitions.
Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is the only injury absentee for Wigan, while fullback Antonio Alcaraz is suspended. For Arsenal, defenders Carl Jenkinson (back), Bacary Sagna (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (Hernia) are all out. Midfielders Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Ryo Miyachi (ankle sprain) are also unavailable.
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. Having made 10 changes to the starting lineup against Manchester City, the Arsenal manager will be equipped with a fresh squad to face Roberto Martinez’s side.
Many had questioned Wenger’s decision to leave Gervinho on the bench against Fulham. And it wasn’t off the mark as Andrey Arshavin, who replaced the Ivorian in the starting eleven had an all too familiar poor display.
Awesome Twosome!
Gervinho’s introduction sparked the game alive for the Gunners, and his omission from the starting lineup in the Carling Cup fixture means Wenger will be fielding the usual attacking trio of Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott and Gervinho. Thomas Vermaelen, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Wojciech Szczesny have all played key roles in the clubs renaissance this season and they are expected to start once again.
Victor Moses poses the greatest threat to the club from North London .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’ equalizer. His speed will be key up against Theo Walcott and he may be forced into tracking back more often than he is used too.
Defensive frailties had been Arsenal’s Achilles heel for quite some time and a significant factor in the 6 year trophy less run endured by the Gunners. But it seems to be a thing of the past as a much compact, solid and resilient back four have replaced it, adding much needed steel to Wenger’s side.
Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny both started in the midweek fixture against Manchester City , and in the absence of the injured Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson , the money will have to be on the Frenchman to start as a make shift right back , considering the fact that he was rested for the game against the Cottagers last weekend.
Thomas Vermaelen scored at both ends in that game and is sure to partner Per Mertesacker in the centre of the defence. Andre Santos would be asked to play a typical South American fullback role against a struggling Wigan side, shouldering more attacking duties than defensive ones.
Although Arsenal’s Dutch Talisman Robin Van Persie would once again be the bookies favourite to put the ball behind the net, the midfield trio of Mikel Arteta, Alex Song and Aaron Ramsey would do well to find Arsenal’s in form English Winger Theo Walcott more often than not.
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.
Can His Side Surprise Arsenal?
Roberto Martinez’s side goes into this fixture in search of back to back wins for the first time this season. But given Wigan’s consistently barren displays, Arsenal would be the team expected to come out on top of this battle. However, having maneuvered a U-turn themselves after being written off initially, Arsene Wenger’s side would do well not to belittle any other team’s capacity to carry out something similar.
Depreciating the prowess of a wounded side of is the only mistake Arsenal can make when they travel to the DW stadium.
Can Arsenal Get Back To Winning Ways This Weekend? Let Us Know By Leaving A Comment Below
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