Wigan 1-1 Arsenal (2-4) FA Cup Semi Final - Five Talking Points

After suffering a horrifying month or so, Arsenal looked at the semi finals of the FA Cup as somewhat of an easier fixture, a fixture to get back into the groove. But things did not go as per Arsenal’s plans when Wigan scored the first goal and looked to conjure up another giant killing, having defeated Man City in the last round. Arsenal though eventually had their way with Mertesacker scoring just in time to stretch the game in the extra time which was played out by both the teams without scoring. Penalties, order of the day, decided the outcome and helped gunners into the finals of FA Cup. Here are the five talking points of the match.

 

1. BFG

The Big F. German -Mertesacker

It was that sort of a day. Per Mertesacker aka BFG was in the frame for all the big moments of the match. No wonder that the match cannot be talked about without naming the Big German in the plot. First he gave away a penalty that was calmly converted and then at the end when defeat looked eminent, he was there, right place right time, glancing in a header for the equalizer. The celebrations that ensued were pretty much descriptive of what BFG feels for the club. The passion and the intensity of the celebrations were hard to miss. There is no doubt that Mertesacker has been instrumental in marshaling Arsenal defence this season. Moreover his leadership skills have been talked and spotted time and time again. Whether it may be giving Ozil a scolding in the middle of pitch, collecting fines on the training ground, teaching someone how to stand in a wall, celebrating  an FA Cup semi final equalizer like there’s no tomorrow or formally captaining the team, Mertesacker is all for it when it comes to being a gunner.