For roughly two-thirds of this match, it was high anxiety being an Arsenal fan. It took a devastating eight minute spell to bury Wigan, and send them down to the Championship, which means Arsenal remain in control of ending their season in the Premier League's top four.
Wojciech Szczesny - 8 – It may be quickly forgotten, but the Pole made arguably the game's crucial intervention. At 1-1, he made a superb one-on-one save from Arouna Kone. Had Arsenal gone behind, it might have ended the contest. That's two key saves in as many games from Szczesny.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – At times he struggled with Kone and Shaun Maloney, but deserves a lot of credit for making the pass that led to the key second goal. He was also a strong presence in the air – on what some think was his final home appearance for Arsenal.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – He was given a few awkward moments by Kone, and wasn't at his most dominant. But used his nous to keep the Ivorian largely at arm's length. His experience has proven important in games such as this.
Laurent Koscielny – 8 – Another superb display from the Frenchman. He made a clearance at full stretch to stop the ever-dangerous Kone from heading in, and made a series of excellent tackles and headers. He's been arguably Arsenal's best player since February.
Kieran Gibbs - 7 – If he was nervous about facing Callum McManaman, he didn't show it. Gibbs did what Gael Clichy failed to do in the FA Cup final, and kept McManaman largely quiet. He also was a useful presence going forward.
Mikel Arteta – 6 – He was unlucky to concede the free-kick that led to Maloney's equaliser, but the vice-captain's recent form has been a concern. A 78% pass success rate showed that he's not operating at his best, and went down the tunnel late on with an injury, that could rule him out of Sunday's contest against Newcastle.
Aaron Ramsey – 7 – His energy was a feature of Arsenal's strong opening to the match. However, as Wigan took control, he looked ragged, with his passing becoming wayward. So the Welshman deserves praise for what was a well-taken goal – his fifth shot of the match. For Ramsey, it was a case of, if at first you don't succeed....
Tomas Rosicky - 7 – A good rather than great performance, but Rosicky has shown himself a key cog in Arsenal's attacking strategy, linking the midfield and attack. And his pressing in the first-half was superb.
Theo Walcott – 9 – He was electric from the first minute, and bar his hat-trick against Newcastle, this was his best performance of the season. He was a menace down the right-hand side, putting in some fine crosses, and even diligently helping Sagna in defence. But his goals have been the most crucial aspect of his recent form, and he popped up with another to make it 2-1.
Lukas Podolski - 7 – Didn't always link the play as well as he would have liked, but worked harder than we've seen from him in recent games. While not the most technically accomplished, he's probably the club's best finisher, evinced by his clinical positional sense & finishing for his two goals.
Santi Cazorla – 9 – Arsenal's creative hub. When he plays well, the Gunners tend to win. And Santi got better as the game went on. Buzzed around the fringes, and in addition to assisting all four of Arsenal's goals, gave one of the passes of the season to nearly set up a goal for Ramsey in the first-half.
SUBS
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – n/a – Looked lively when coming on.
Jack Wilshere – n/a – Passed the ball tidily. Will be needed on Sunday.
Thomas Vermaelen – n/a – Given the armband in the final minute.
One hurdle to go. It's been a turbulent and nerve-shredding season, but we are in touching distance of the top four again. There will be a lot of talk over the next 5 days, but all that matters on Sunday afternoon is one thing. Win the game.
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