Arsenal started the game brightly creating several chances through their talisman Fabregas with Al Habsi pulling off a string of brilliant saves leaving arsenal fans thinking if it was going to be ‘one of those day’

Wigan, unlike a lot of the teams that play at the Emirates, tried to play their game but there was a hint of cynicism in some challenges, especially Thomas on Fabregas who was lucky not to be booked in the first half for persistent fouling.

The first goal of the game came in the 21^st minute with some brilliant possession play around the Wigan area before a neat through ball put van Persie through who rifled into the net. Van Persie looks to be regaining form and if Arsenal are to push for the title this season it is vital that they have a fully fit RvP at the focal point of their attack.

Al Habsi pulled off another great save on the half hour mark after another Fabregas effort and from the resulting corner Cesc showed some wonderful silky footwork before a great challenge from the Wigan centre back denied him what would have been one of the goals of the week.

Minutes later another piece of great defending was on show when a good challenge on Robin van Persie denied him his second of the game after being laid off by Walcott, who then pounced on the rebound only to be blocked once more when he perhaps should have scored. There was a sense that if Arsenal got their second goal this half that the flood gates would open. In the 37^th minute Nasri had a left footed effort as Arsenal continued to pile on the pressure.

Wilshere was an unsung hero in the first half without putting a foot wrong and his tireless work rate delighted the arsenal fans and team mates. Great for the future of England but perhaps not so good for the future of Denilson.

Former England captain David Beckham was spotted in the Emirates crowd which will undoubtedly impress Tottenham fans.

After the half time break the first 10 minutes were pretty uneventful with Wigan looking to find a way back into the game but the wind was taken out of their sails when Robin van Persie got his second of the game after a neat clip from Fabregas giving Robin the easiest of finishes. Wigan looked to respond in the 63^rd minute with a Di Santo header that flew harmlessly over the bar.

Frustration began to creep in when Thomas finally got booked for a poor challenge on Sagna, one might argue that he should have been booked in the first half and he was lucky to stay on the pitch but credit to the referee for keeping 22 men on the field

The 68^th minute saw an audacious effort from Fabregas as he attempted to juggle the ball past the Wigan centre backs and whilst he was falling to the ground he attempted an overhead kick, which didn’t pose a threat but highlighted the midfielder’s creativity and imagination by constructing something out of what seemed like nothing.

A minute later Caldwell brought down Fabregas, who was clean through on goal after another great pass by Song, offering Robin van Persie to get his first Arsenal hat trick. However, he uncharacteristically lost his composure and skied it over the bar. Caldwell was also sent off for a professional foul.

Van Persie looked to make amends by going close with a left footed shot from just outside the area which went inches wide.

Arshavin came on for Nasri, who once again showed his lack of form and confidence misplacing a few passes which led the Emirates crowd’s frustration be heard.

83^rd minute and Song goes close with a drive from outside the box after some great play from van Persie, Fabregas and Wilshere. A minute later the nail in the coffin came for Wigan when Fabregas pinged a searching ball for the on running Walcott who showed great strength holding off the Wigan defender before van Persie lashed it in with what he would call his ‘chocolate’ leg, sealing his first hat trick for the Gunners.

With the job done Chamakh and Denilson were given cameo appearances in place of Robin van Persie and Fabregas who were at the heart of everything for arsenal today. A great performance which was worthy of Premier League champions, everyone knows arsenal are capable of these performances but the problem for Arsene has been with consistency, which if he adds to the mix will send chills down leaders Man Utd’s spines.