In the biggest shock in the showpiece match since Wimbledon's 'crazy gang' upset Liverpool 1-0 in 1988, Watson came off the bench to hand Wigan a thoroughly deserved win over the multi-millionaire stars of City as Roberto's Mancini's side ended the season without a trophy 12 months after their Premier League succcess.
Ben Watson came off the bench to score in injury time as Wigan Athletic condemned 10-man Manchester City to a 1-0 loss in a huge FA Cup final upset at Wembley Stadium.
The performance and attitude of some of the City players must place huge question marks over the future of Mancini in his job. It was a slipshod performance from a side that started the match 4/11 against a Wigan team priced at 9/1.
Shaun Maloney swept in a corner at a sodden national stadium and Watson - back in action after several months out with a broken shinbone - rose to power a header into the net that left Joe Hart with no chance in the City goal.
In truth, City can have few complaints about this result. They looked disjointed for most part of the match as Wigan carried off their first FA Cup in a first appearance in the match.
Pablo Zabaleta became only the third player ever to be sent off in an FA Cup final when he clattered the excellent Callum McManaman with a late sliding challenge on 82 minutes.
Shaun Maloney swept in a corner at a sodden national stadium and Watson - back in action after several months out with a broken shinbone - rose to power a header into the net that left Joe Hart with no chance in the City goal.
In truth, City can have few complaints about this result. They looked disjointed for most part of the match as Wigan carried off their first FA Cup in a first appearance in the match.
Pablo Zabaleta became only the third player ever to be sent off in an FA Cup final when he clattered the excellent Callum McManaman with a late sliding challenge on 82 minutes.
It was a second booking for him, but one that could easily have earned a straight red card.
Wigan dominated the final 10 minutes and made their one-man advantage count in the first minute of three added on as Watson rose highest to convert eight minutes after replaced Jordi Gomez.
There was barely time for City to reply as Wigan dropped deep to defend with the same sort of effect they had managed to do for most of the afternoon as the rain tumbled down to reflect the grim mood among the City camp at the full-time whistle.
Wigan will be on soft drinks tonight to celebrate with their crucial visit to Arsenal looming large at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
They could yet end the season winning the FA Cup and being relegated from the Premier League.
Depending on results in the Premier League on Sunday, Wigan need at least a point from Arsenal before hosting Aston Villa in their final game of the season at the DW Stadium next Sunday.
But at least they will have the boost of being FA winners.
They can also look forward to competing in the Europa League having conceded just two goals in seven FA Cup games this season.
Wigan dominated the final 10 minutes and made their one-man advantage count in the first minute of three added on as Watson rose highest to convert eight minutes after replaced Jordi Gomez.
There was barely time for City to reply as Wigan dropped deep to defend with the same sort of effect they had managed to do for most of the afternoon as the rain tumbled down to reflect the grim mood among the City camp at the full-time whistle.
Wigan will be on soft drinks tonight to celebrate with their crucial visit to Arsenal looming large at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
They could yet end the season winning the FA Cup and being relegated from the Premier League.
Depending on results in the Premier League on Sunday, Wigan need at least a point from Arsenal before hosting Aston Villa in their final game of the season at the DW Stadium next Sunday.
But at least they will have the boost of being FA winners.
They can also look forward to competing in the Europa League having conceded just two goals in seven FA Cup games this season.
im stl recovrin from this shocker..
ReplyDeleteWIGAN!! The underdog had the loudest bark
ReplyDeleteAhan! itunu r u guyz gonna do anoda guard of honor?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to wigan! for a spirited performance!
ReplyDeletewhat i luvd most abt dis Wigan was that dey refused to be intimidated.. i mean, 40 points difrnce n 16 places gap was enough 2 turn dem off.. buh dey refused to be opressed. Congrats Lads!
ReplyDeleteShame on Arsenal! wigan and swansea av won trophyz in 1 season but assanl none in the last 8ys
ReplyDelete