Story highlights
Goals from Jordi Gomez and Franco Di Santo earn Wigan valuable 2-1 win at Arsenal
Defeat dents Arsenal's hopes of consolidating third place in English Premier League
Sevilla's chances of European qualification take a knock after 5-1 drubbing at Getafe
Arsenal’s attempts to cement a place in next season’s Champions League were thwarted on Monday as Wigan claimed a notable 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium in the English Premier League.
Roberto Martinez’s team, who beat Manchester United 1-0 in their last match, once again belied their lowly league status with another performance which further bolsters their chances of avoiding the drop.
Franco Di Santo opened the scoring in the seventh minute against the run of play, slotting the ball into an empty net after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny had saved his first attempt.
Wigan doubled their lead a minute later with Jordi Gomez bundling the ball home.
Arsenal responded in typical fashion flooding forward in search of a goal and in the 21st minute it arrived – Thomas Vermaelen meeting Tomas Rosicky’s cross with an emphatic header.
Home supporters sensed the tide of the match had turned but Wigan held out until halftime and continued to defend stoutly in the second period, clinging on for another memorable win.
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Arsenal remain in third with 64 points still five points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, but Harry Redknapp’s side – who were soundly beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinal on Sunday – now have a game in hand over their north London rivals.
The win edges Wigan closer to safety, now five points clear of the relegation zone in 16th place with 34 points.
“I am so so satisfied because this wasn’t an accident. The manner in which we coped physically and tactically makes me very very proud,” Wigan boss Martinez told Sky Sports.
“It was a well deserved three points and to say that speaks volumes about the performance of my players,” he added.
Meanwhile in La Liga, Sevilla’s attempts to qualify for the Europa League were dealt a blow by Getafe who romped to a 5-1 victory on Monday night.
A super strike from Alvaro Negredo handed the visitors the lead in the 19th minute, but it turned out to be a high point on an otherwise miserable evening for Michel’s men.
Miguel Torres equalized in the 35th minute before four second-half goals (two for Venezuelan striker Miku and one each for Pedros Rios and Medhi Lacen) completed a comprehensive win which sees Getafe draw level on 45 points with Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol.
