Wigan Coach Roberto Martinez and Chairman Dave Whelan with the FA Cup (Lee Smith/Action Images)
Congratulations are in order for Wigan Athletic, who won their first ever major title on Saturday with an improbable FA Cup Final victory over a Premier League giant at Wembley. The Latics stunned Manchester City 1-0 with a goal from Ben Watson right at the end of the match, leaving City, who were also down a man, with pretty much no time to push for an equalizer.
It was, one thinks, the perfect Wigan victory. They were by far the more positive of the two sides all match long, playing football in their methodical fashion while City looked sluggish. Honestly, despite the fact that there was a major trophy on the line, City looked as though they had already checked out to the beach or to the golf course for the summer, and Wigan took their one, best chance.
Check out Watson's stunning header as City stand around with their zonal marking:
The celebrations might be short lived for Wigan however, as they face a tough road to avoid relegation from the Barclay's Premier League. They have to win both of their final matches against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday and at home against fellow relegation battlers Aston Villa on Sunday. To add to the difficulty of Tuesday, the match is pretty much a must win for Arsenal to qualify for the Champions League next season. The Gunners will be well rested and motivated. But whatever happens in the Premier League, Wigan deserve credit for creating one of the FA Cup's most memorable moments, and keeping the romance or the tournament alive and well. I'll be hoping they can hang on to the Premier League spot as well.
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