Arsenal against Wigan Athletic

Martinez wildly gesticulating, it's nearly party time for him and Wigan.

McArthur with a tidy turn to open up some midfield space but the ball is immediately back with those in red and white.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Al Habsi finally booked for time wasting. He's been doing it since the 34th minute!

<i>Again</i> Arsenal give away a cheap foul in the Wigan half.

But Arsenal can now launch another attack. Five added minutes to play.

Caldwell's long diagonal picks out Sammon, who plucks the ball out of the air in style.

Another cheap free-kick conceded to Wigan - Santos fouls Diame on this occasion.

Sammon has done a good job of replicating Di Santo's fine work-rate. He's chasing across the Arsenal backline everytime they gett he ball.

The Ox has struggled to find a pass so far, there's been quite a few loose ones from the youngster.

Wigan free-kick on the halfway line, and it's the Latics keeping the ball. The frustration building in Arsenal.

Have we just seen the match-winner leave the field? Four minutes, plus stoppage time to go for Arsenal to find an equaliser, they do love scoring late.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Diame on for Gomez.

Looking at that coming together again, I think Figueroa was a little lucky to get away with it.

Walcott finally gets half a yard on Figueroa but the winger is forced off the ball. It looked like it could have been a free-kick for a push but Marriner was not interested.

<i>@multieric008 on Twitter:</i> I smell a goal

Sagna crosses towards Van Persie, who tries an outrageous jumping back heel. It would have been a goal of the season contender, but RVP couldn't direct it goalwards.

Not for long, and Arsenal are on the break. Santos and Walcott on the left wing.

That's right, with ten minutes left the ball is in the corner.

Oxlade-Chamberlain trying to make something happen but Moses pickpockets him and turns on the burners. he plays in Sammon, who takes it into the corner.

Nearly an embarrassing moment for Szczesny after a poor pass back from Song. It nearly got stuck under his feet with Sammon loitering close by.

Wigan repelling the Arsenal armada but it keeps on coming.

It certainly feels like a bit of desperation has begun to creep in. The home fans understandably sounding a bit tense at the moment.

Arsenal corner punched at wildly by Al Habsi, and the Gunners trying to pile on the pressure.

Di Santo, I applaud you sir. An excellent display and he must be knackered with the amount of determination he's shown out on the Emirates pitch tonight.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Sammon on for Di Santo.

Walcott moves up front and Gervinho heads to the right. Oxlade-Chamberlain to the left.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Oxlade-Chamberlain on for Djourou.

And Sammon also readying himself. A veritable feast of animal-related substitutions.

Good news for Gunners fans - the Ox is ready to come on. Has to be Walcott coming off, surely.

McCarthy has been an absolute trojan in the middle for Wigan and he;s just won a free-kick after winning the ball well and then tiptoeing past Song.

Wigan break at speed again - Moses advances and picks out Gomez, but his ambitious Van Basten-style attempt at the back post is a tad high.

Lovely little turn from Van Persie, who releases Walcott. Finally Theo pops up and he's won a corner.

Free-kick on the left-wing as Figueora is fouled by Song.

Credit to Wigan, continuing to press - through Boyceinho this time.

Sagna bravely reaches a through-ball from Van Persie to cross with Figueroa throwing himself in.

My thoughts exactly. The word anonymous comes, rather strongly, to mind. Walcott has been nothing short of useless.

<i>@EasyGoer3 on Twitter:</i> Is Walcott even on the pitch?

Beausejour's delivery met by Gomez, but his header is up and over.

Di Santo has put in a really good shift for Wigan, who now have a corner.

Looks like the standard 'splosh vaseline all over over the injured party's head' approach is being used on Di Santo. Ah the advances in medicine.

Sagna and Di Santo collide in the air, Sagna headed the back of his opponent's head. Looked a nasty one, but both players up on their feet.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Gervinho on for Benayoun

<i>@ikronkvist on Twitter:</i> Let's go Wigan, for the love of Spurs!

But he's hit it straight at Szczesny. Moses could have taken an extra touch there, too.

Moses sprints into the clear after a lucky defelction off Djourou...

Santos and Vermaelen the men in the box for the Gunners there, a little odd.

Van Persie fed by Rosicky and the Arsenal captain flahes a ball into the six-yard box, where Andre Santos knocks it wide.

The corner is cleared to safety, though there was a timid penalty claim in there for handball somewhere.

Moses again carves them open and his cross is blocked out for a corner.

Straight down the other end and I'll give you one guess as to who is causing the Gunners trouble...

Vermaelen the highest jumper once again but this time his header is a little too high.

<i>Stats: Wigan have won more Premier League away games (4) than home games (3) this season. </i>

He releases Moses who shows pace and physical presence to outmuscle Sagna. Moses cuts in onto his right and forces Szczesny into a good save.

Again Wigan hold their line and Beausejour bounds forward.

Di Santo gives away a soft free-kick on the right wing and Van Persie swings the delivery in.

Santos up to whip in the free-kick but it's headed clear.

Free-kick for Arsenal, Gomez on Santos. Nowhere near the ball.

A jinking run from the Israel midfielder looked to have opened up the Latics but he ran out of space in the end.

<i>Stats: Yossi Benayoun has scored against Wigan for three different clubs: West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea.</i>

Rosicky pulling the midfield strings and looks wide to Walcott, who is frustrated once again by Figueroa. Walcott hasn't had much joy at all.

It's like half-time hasn't happened, Arsenal starting with the same fearsome pace with which they ended the first half.

Think there was a foot in from someone there - great ball in.

Santos marauded forward and played a tantalising ball across ball that somehow eluded Van Persie.

Wigan get us underway, and Figueora with a loose touch gives the early intiative to Arsenal.

And we're off for the second 45...

The players back out and we're almost ready for the second half. I for one can't wait.

Need to mention Al Habsi too. Arguably Wigan's best player this season and he's made another couple of top-drawer saves tonight.

Moses has been awesome, and another exciting showing tonight too. Can't see him staying if Wigan go down. Though can't see Wigan going down if they hold on tonight!

<i>@Theo2point0 on Twitter:</i> Victor Moses has been as good in the 2nd half of the season for Wigan as David Silva was in the 1st half for City.

For those stats-lovers among you there's an interesting article here from Miguel Delaney about <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature/_/id/1048266/delaney:-dispelling-the-early-season-%27truths%27?cc=5739" target="_blank">the changes in form of Premier League clubs from the first to second half of the season.</a>

Absolutely, as things stand Wigan would be five - FIVE - points clear of the relegation zone. Villa would still be a point clear and I think they're probably going to be okay. But there will have been plenty of sighing around Bolton, Blackburn and QPR in the first half!

<i>@gavtheonehughes on Twitter:</i> Squeaky bum time if wigan win for aston villa & other teams around them

Remember, I want you to have your say too, and you can do that on Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN</a> for your tweeting needs.

<b>HT: Arsenal 1-2 Wigan.</b> Wow, what a half. Thrilling stuff at times, as the Latics came from nowhere to snatch two goals in a minute through Di Santo and Gomez, before Vermalen claimed one back. Second half should be an absolute cracker.

There goes the half-time whsitle...

Boyce wins the ball deep in Arsenal territory and Gomez advances before unleashing a shot over the crossbar with his left foot.

Song in a dangerous position but he's thumped his pass beyond Walcott. Theo's a bit of a whippet but that was too much even for him.

Three minutes of stoppage time.

Benayoun flicks on (he's surely winning too many headers) but Al Habsi is out quickly to collect.

Another free-kick for Arsenal, as Van Persie launches it in from just outside the centre circle.

Curled wide by the often-deadly Dutchman.

Rosicky wins the free-kick on the right, about 25-30 yards out. Van Persie lining it up.

Van Persie dropping a bit deeper to search for the ball.

Emmerson Boyce pops up in the Arsenal penalty area but it's his turn to be penalised for handball. I don't think there are more unlikely scorers than Boyce out on the pitch at the moment.

Wigan are getting booed as they are definitely taking their time over EVERY dead-ball situation.

From hero to zero - Djourou poorly gives a free-kick away for handball just as the Gunners were looking to press again.

Di Santo in acres down the right, where has Andre Santos gone? Di Santo with a decent cross, and Djourou gets an important touch to divert it clear of the six-yard box.

Jordi Gomez brought down as Wigan look to take a moment's breather again. Sloppy pass from Alcaraz gives possession back to the Gunners though.

Another penetrating run from Rosicky ends in his cross landing on top of the goal. He's looking dangerous.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0416/thomasvermaelenscores20120416_275x155.jpg"><br>Thomas Vermaelen heads Arsenal back into the game.

It wasn't vicious, just clumsy. But Moses is down. Would it be cynical of me to suggest that Wigan may be time wasting in the 34th minute?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Sagna booked for taking out Moses.

Andre Santos gets it short and switches the ball to his right foot just inside the penalty area, before curling a shot over.

Boyce tackles Van Persie and it's an Arsenal corner as the npoise levels increase again.

Still the red and white wave pours forward, I'm not sure how much more of this Wigan can take.

<i>Stats: Arsenal have only been defeated twice at home in the Premier League this season and only Man City (unbeaten) have fewer defeats.</i>

Just a goal kick, well-timed interception.

Here he comes again and he tumbles under the challenge of McCarthy...

Vermaelen and Rosicky really helping to drive the Gunners forward. Rosicky has been awesome the last few weeks, he finally appears to have rediscovered the sort of form that made him a real star for Dortmund.

For a moment there, Wigan's defence looked, well, a bit like Arsenal's at the start of the game.

Rosicky and Van Persie combine at pace but the Czech midfielder lifts his final effort over the bar from inside the penalty area.

<i>@ashboy007 on Twitter:</i> tumultuous 20 mins, but three points for arsenal, surely?

Just had another look at Wigan's second and there was a devastating bit of skill from Moses to create the chance. The boy's a bit special.

Djourou almost continued the trend of players I mock scoring, firing a well-watched volley just wide of the post.

Another smart stop from Al-Habsi. Van Persie with a stinging 25-yard drive and the Latics keeper turns it over.

Game on.

<b>Arsenal 1-2 Wigan.</b> Rosicky with a pinpoint cross and Vermaelen with a typically dominant jump and fierce header past Al Habsi.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> But not a third. Vermaelen scores.

Initially headed clear, and a second time.

Another Arsenal corner, they've been pouring forward for the past five minutes. Wigan holding firm at present though.

Just to clarify, Arteta came off because he was injured - it wasn't a tactical switch.

Couldn't agree more with the Di Santo comment - should have known a gentle bit of pre-match ribbing would result in the end of his lengthy goal drought!

Andre Santos the latest to be thwarted, Alcaraz with a Boris Becker-esque leap through the air to block the left-back's shot.

<i>@h4lberstram on Twitter:</i> Lactics have apparently not taken kindly to your pre-game RVP-DiSanto dig

A seriously entertaining game so far - loving it despite the frenetic typing pace!

Benayoun's header was going straight in the top corner and Al-Habsi sprang like an acrobat to tip it over the bar. World class stuff.

Unbelievable save from Al Habsi. And I'm not overstating it this time.

Great challenge from Boyce to deny Van Persie after he looked to have turned away.

Cross whipped in from the left and Arsenal just trying to calm things down a bit with some possession football.

Arsenal have pushed on a little bit since conceding that second. A sense of disbelief around the Emirates.

Moses looking electric, troubling Sagna massively on the left wing.

Wigan just cranked up the heat and Arsenal couldn't take it at all. I don't know if it's just a coincidence but Djourou's at the back for the Gunners. Hmmm.

Wow, my fingertips are sore now - what an incredible start.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ramsey on for Arteta.

McCarthy fires a half-volley just over the bar.

Di Santo with a strike now, deflected out for a corner.

<b>ARSENAL 0-2 WIGAN</b> Great work from Moses down the left and Gomez, at the second bite of the cherry after Szczesny saved his first effort.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Wigan have scored again - Gomez this time.

<b>ARSENAL 0-1 WIGAN. </b>A swift break from the Latics and Di Santo nets his first goal in 18 games. Lifting the ball over the onrushing Szczesny and poking it home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Di Santo scores.

Okay. maybe not 'superb' as Benayoun headed it straight at him but decent nonetheless.

Superb save from Al-Habsi!

Beausejour gets in an important foot to prod the ball away from Walcott.

Di Santo kicks up a fuss after Van Persie was a little late in the tackle on him. He refuses the Dutchman's handshake.

Straight into the wall, disappointing effort.

Free-kick for the Gunners and Arteta preparing to let fly from 20 yards, just right of centre. Good angle.

Rosicky at the centre of things again and McCarthy brings him down on this occasion after a neat exchange with Van Persie.

Vermaelen has a pop from about 25 yards out and it flies just wide of the right post.

Walcott with an early chance to run at Beausejour but he opts to come in field.

Rosicky with an excellent turn to escape the clutches of McCarthy, and Arsenal push on into the Wigan half.

And we're off...

The players are out on the pitch and we're almost ready to go at Emirates Stadium.

I think there's definitely a feeling of caution among all the Gunners fans I've been chatting to in the past couple of days. Never thought I would be saying this a couple of months ago, but Wigan are in impressive form!

<i>@salamisa on Twitter:</i> I am wondering if I'm the only Gooner feeling uncomfortable about playing relegation-fighting Wigan, after United & Chelsea.

I am always prepared to eat my words, though, so maybe Victor Moses and Co. can provide a shock.

Felt so sorry for Wigan when they ended up losing at Chelsea after a really brave display and they were excellent again and fully deserved to beat Man Utd last Wendnesday. However, I can't see them winning today.

<i>Stats: Arsenal have played Wigan at home on nine previous occasions. The Gunners have won all nine. </i>

<i>Twitter comment from @SickGuy15:</i> Without a doubt the Gunners are going to have a very comfortable victory.

No Wigan players on the list of nominees for the 2012 PFA Player of the Year award, but Robin van Persie made the shortlist (narrowly edging out Franco Di Santo, I hear). <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1049981/robin-van-persie-heads-pfa-player-of-the-year-award-shortlist?cc=5739" target="_blank">Read the full list of nominees here.</a>

I'm always keen to hear your views on the game and you can Tweet me your thoughts and observations - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN</a> the place to go.

For the Gunners, there's just one change from the side that beat Wolves - Tomas Rosicky replacing Aaron Ramsey in midfield.

The line-ups are in and not too much to report aside from Shaun Maloney's absence for Wigan - a big blow for the Latics after he scored the winner against Manchester United last week.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0416/robinvanpersiegoalvwigan20111203_275x155.jpg"><br>Arsenal beat Wigan 4-0 when the two sides met at the DW Stadium in December

In the build up to this one, Wojciech Szczesny said he is hoping <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1049936/arsenal%27s-wojciech-szczesny-expects-title-push-next-season?cc=5739" target="_blank">Arsenal's recent shift in momentum will lead to a Premier League title push next season.</a>

Join Mark Lomas from 19.45 BST for live text commentary of Arsenal v Wigan, as the Gunners look to close in on Champions League qualification and the Latics continue their fight for Premier League survival.

Not for long, and Arsenal are on the break. Santos and Walcott on the left wing.

That's right, with ten minutes left the ball is in the corner.

Oxlade-Chamberlain trying to make something happen but Moses pickpockets him and turns on the burners. he plays in Sammon, who takes it into the corner.

Nearly an embarrassing moment for Szczesny after a poor pass back from Song. It nearly got stuck under his feet with Sammon loitering close by.

Wigan repelling the Arsenal armada but it keeps on coming.

It certainly feels like a bit of desperation has begun to creep in. The home fans understandably sounding a bit tense at the moment.

Arsenal corner punched at wildly by Al Habsi, and the Gunners trying to pile on the pressure.

Di Santo, I applaud you sir. An excellent display and he must be knackered with the amount of determination he's shown out on the Emirates pitch tonight.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Sammon on for Di Santo.

Walcott moves up front and Gervinho heads to the right. Oxlade-Chamberlain to the left.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Oxlade-Chamberlain on for Djourou.

And Sammon also readying himself. A veritable feast of animal-related substitutions.

Good news for Gunners fans - the Ox is ready to come on. Has to be Walcott coming off, surely.

McCarthy has been an absolute trojan in the middle for Wigan and he;s just won a free-kick after winning the ball well and then tiptoeing past Song.

Wigan break at speed again - Moses advances and picks out Gomez, but his ambitious Van Basten-style attempt at the back post is a tad high.

Lovely little turn from Van Persie, who releases Walcott. Finally Theo pops up and he's won a corner.

Free-kick on the left-wing as Figueora is fouled by Song.

Credit to Wigan, continuing to press - through Boyceinho this time.

Sagna bravely reaches a through-ball from Van Persie to cross with Figueroa throwing himself in.

My thoughts exactly. The word anonymous comes, rather strongly, to mind. Walcott has been nothing short of useless.

<i>@EasyGoer3 on Twitter:</i> Is Walcott even on the pitch?

Beausejour's delivery met by Gomez, but his header is up and over.

Di Santo has put in a really good shift for Wigan, who now have a corner.

Looks like the standard 'splosh vaseline all over over the injured party's head' approach is being used on Di Santo. Ah the advances in medicine.

Sagna and Di Santo collide in the air, Sagna headed the back of his opponent's head. Looked a nasty one, but both players up on their feet.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Gervinho on for Benayoun

<i>@ikronkvist on Twitter:</i> Let's go Wigan, for the love of Spurs!

But he's hit it straight at Szczesny. Moses could have taken an extra touch there, too.

Moses sprints into the clear after a lucky defelction off Djourou...

Santos and Vermaelen the men in the box for the Gunners there, a little odd.

Van Persie fed by Rosicky and the Arsenal captain flahes a ball into the six-yard box, where Andre Santos knocks it wide.

The corner is cleared to safety, though there was a timid penalty claim in there for handball somewhere.

Moses again carves them open and his cross is blocked out for a corner.

Straight down the other end and I'll give you one guess as to who is causing the Gunners trouble...

Vermaelen the highest jumper once again but this time his header is a little too high.

<i>Stats: Wigan have won more Premier League away games (4) than home games (3) this season. </i>

He releases Moses who shows pace and physical presence to outmuscle Sagna. Moses cuts in onto his right and forces Szczesny into a good save.

Again Wigan hold their line and Beausejour bounds forward.

Di Santo gives away a soft free-kick on the right wing and Van Persie swings the delivery in.

Santos up to whip in the free-kick but it's headed clear.

Free-kick for Arsenal, Gomez on Santos. Nowhere near the ball.

A jinking run from the Israel midfielder looked to have opened up the Latics but he ran out of space in the end.

<i>Stats: Yossi Benayoun has scored against Wigan for three different clubs: West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea.</i>

Rosicky pulling the midfield strings and looks wide to Walcott, who is frustrated once again by Figueroa. Walcott hasn't had much joy at all.

It's like half-time hasn't happened, Arsenal starting with the same fearsome pace with which they ended the first half.

Think there was a foot in from someone there - great ball in.

Santos marauded forward and played a tantalising ball across ball that somehow eluded Van Persie.

Wigan get us underway, and Figueora with a loose touch gives the early intiative to Arsenal.

And we're off for the second 45...

The players back out and we're almost ready for the second half. I for one can't wait.

Need to mention Al Habsi too. Arguably Wigan's best player this season and he's made another couple of top-drawer saves tonight.

Moses has been awesome, and another exciting showing tonight too. Can't see him staying if Wigan go down. Though can't see Wigan going down if they hold on tonight!

<i>@Theo2point0 on Twitter:</i> Victor Moses has been as good in the 2nd half of the season for Wigan as David Silva was in the 1st half for City.

For those stats-lovers among you there's an interesting article here from Miguel Delaney about <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature/_/id/1048266/delaney:-dispelling-the-early-season-%27truths%27?cc=5739" target="_blank">the changes in form of Premier League clubs from the first to second half of the season.</a>

Absolutely, as things stand Wigan would be five - FIVE - points clear of the relegation zone. Villa would still be a point clear and I think they're probably going to be okay. But there will have been plenty of sighing around Bolton, Blackburn and QPR in the first half!

<i>@gavtheonehughes on Twitter:</i> Squeaky bum time if wigan win for aston villa & other teams around them

Remember, I want you to have your say too, and you can do that on Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN</a> for your tweeting needs.

<b>HT: Arsenal 1-2 Wigan.</b> Wow, what a half. Thrilling stuff at times, as the Latics came from nowhere to snatch two goals in a minute through Di Santo and Gomez, before Vermalen claimed one back. Second half should be an absolute cracker.

There goes the half-time whsitle...

Boyce wins the ball deep in Arsenal territory and Gomez advances before unleashing a shot over the crossbar with his left foot.

Song in a dangerous position but he's thumped his pass beyond Walcott. Theo's a bit of a whippet but that was too much even for him.

Three minutes of stoppage time.

Benayoun flicks on (he's surely winning too many headers) but Al Habsi is out quickly to collect.

Another free-kick for Arsenal, as Van Persie launches it in from just outside the centre circle.

Curled wide by the often-deadly Dutchman.

Rosicky wins the free-kick on the right, about 25-30 yards out. Van Persie lining it up.

Van Persie dropping a bit deeper to search for the ball.

Emmerson Boyce pops up in the Arsenal penalty area but it's his turn to be penalised for handball. I don't think there are more unlikely scorers than Boyce out on the pitch at the moment.

Wigan are getting booed as they are definitely taking their time over EVERY dead-ball situation.

From hero to zero - Djourou poorly gives a free-kick away for handball just as the Gunners were looking to press again.

Di Santo in acres down the right, where has Andre Santos gone? Di Santo with a decent cross, and Djourou gets an important touch to divert it clear of the six-yard box.

Jordi Gomez brought down as Wigan look to take a moment's breather again. Sloppy pass from Alcaraz gives possession back to the Gunners though.

Another penetrating run from Rosicky ends in his cross landing on top of the goal. He's looking dangerous.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0416/thomasvermaelenscores20120416_275x155.jpg"><br>Thomas Vermaelen heads Arsenal back into the game.

It wasn't vicious, just clumsy. But Moses is down. Would it be cynical of me to suggest that Wigan may be time wasting in the 34th minute?

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Sagna booked for taking out Moses.

Andre Santos gets it short and switches the ball to his right foot just inside the penalty area, before curling a shot over.

Boyce tackles Van Persie and it's an Arsenal corner as the npoise levels increase again.

Still the red and white wave pours forward, I'm not sure how much more of this Wigan can take.

<i>Stats: Arsenal have only been defeated twice at home in the Premier League this season and only Man City (unbeaten) have fewer defeats.</i>

Just a goal kick, well-timed interception.

Here he comes again and he tumbles under the challenge of McCarthy...

Vermaelen and Rosicky really helping to drive the Gunners forward. Rosicky has been awesome the last few weeks, he finally appears to have rediscovered the sort of form that made him a real star for Dortmund.

For a moment there, Wigan's defence looked, well, a bit like Arsenal's at the start of the game.

Rosicky and Van Persie combine at pace but the Czech midfielder lifts his final effort over the bar from inside the penalty area.

<i>@ashboy007 on Twitter:</i> tumultuous 20 mins, but three points for arsenal, surely?

Just had another look at Wigan's second and there was a devastating bit of skill from Moses to create the chance. The boy's a bit special.

Djourou almost continued the trend of players I mock scoring, firing a well-watched volley just wide of the post.

Another smart stop from Al-Habsi. Van Persie with a stinging 25-yard drive and the Latics keeper turns it over.

Game on.

<b>Arsenal 1-2 Wigan.</b> Rosicky with a pinpoint cross and Vermaelen with a typically dominant jump and fierce header past Al Habsi.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> But not a third. Vermaelen scores.

Initially headed clear, and a second time.

Another Arsenal corner, they've been pouring forward for the past five minutes. Wigan holding firm at present though.

Just to clarify, Arteta came off because he was injured - it wasn't a tactical switch.

Couldn't agree more with the Di Santo comment - should have known a gentle bit of pre-match ribbing would result in the end of his lengthy goal drought!

Andre Santos the latest to be thwarted, Alcaraz with a Boris Becker-esque leap through the air to block the left-back's shot.

<i>@h4lberstram on Twitter:</i> Lactics have apparently not taken kindly to your pre-game RVP-DiSanto dig

A seriously entertaining game so far - loving it despite the frenetic typing pace!

Benayoun's header was going straight in the top corner and Al-Habsi sprang like an acrobat to tip it over the bar. World class stuff.

Unbelievable save from Al Habsi. And I'm not overstating it this time.

Great challenge from Boyce to deny Van Persie after he looked to have turned away.

Cross whipped in from the left and Arsenal just trying to calm things down a bit with some possession football.

Arsenal have pushed on a little bit since conceding that second. A sense of disbelief around the Emirates.

Moses looking electric, troubling Sagna massively on the left wing.

Wigan just cranked up the heat and Arsenal couldn't take it at all. I don't know if it's just a coincidence but Djourou's at the back for the Gunners. Hmmm.

Wow, my fingertips are sore now - what an incredible start.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ramsey on for Arteta.

McCarthy fires a half-volley just over the bar.

Di Santo with a strike now, deflected out for a corner.

<b>ARSENAL 0-2 WIGAN</b> Great work from Moses down the left and Gomez, at the second bite of the cherry after Szczesny saved his first effort.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Wigan have scored again - Gomez this time.

<b>ARSENAL 0-1 WIGAN. </b>A swift break from the Latics and Di Santo nets his first goal in 18 games. Lifting the ball over the onrushing Szczesny and poking it home.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Di Santo scores.

Okay. maybe not 'superb' as Benayoun headed it straight at him but decent nonetheless.

Superb save from Al-Habsi!

Beausejour gets in an important foot to prod the ball away from Walcott.

Di Santo kicks up a fuss after Van Persie was a little late in the tackle on him. He refuses the Dutchman's handshake.

Straight into the wall, disappointing effort.

Free-kick for the Gunners and Arteta preparing to let fly from 20 yards, just right of centre. Good angle.

Rosicky at the centre of things again and McCarthy brings him down on this occasion after a neat exchange with Van Persie.

Vermaelen has a pop from about 25 yards out and it flies just wide of the right post.

Walcott with an early chance to run at Beausejour but he opts to come in field.

Rosicky with an excellent turn to escape the clutches of McCarthy, and Arsenal push on into the Wigan half.

And we're off...

The players are out on the pitch and we're almost ready to go at Emirates Stadium.

I think there's definitely a feeling of caution among all the Gunners fans I've been chatting to in the past couple of days. Never thought I would be saying this a couple of months ago, but Wigan are in impressive form!

<i>@salamisa on Twitter:</i> I am wondering if I'm the only Gooner feeling uncomfortable about playing relegation-fighting Wigan, after United & Chelsea.

I am always prepared to eat my words, though, so maybe Victor Moses and Co. can provide a shock.

Felt so sorry for Wigan when they ended up losing at Chelsea after a really brave display and they were excellent again and fully deserved to beat Man Utd last Wendnesday. However, I can't see them winning today.

<i>Stats: Arsenal have played Wigan at home on nine previous occasions. The Gunners have won all nine. </i>

<i>Twitter comment from @SickGuy15:</i> Without a doubt the Gunners are going to have a very comfortable victory.

No Wigan players on the list of nominees for the 2012 PFA Player of the Year award, but Robin van Persie made the shortlist (narrowly edging out Franco Di Santo, I hear). <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1049981/robin-van-persie-heads-pfa-player-of-the-year-award-shortlist?cc=5739" target="_blank">Read the full list of nominees here.</a>

I'm always keen to hear your views on the game and you can Tweet me your thoughts and observations - <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN</a> the place to go.

For the Gunners, there's just one change from the side that beat Wolves - Tomas Rosicky replacing Aaron Ramsey in midfield.

The line-ups are in and not too much to report aside from Shaun Maloney's absence for Wigan - a big blow for the Latics after he scored the winner against Manchester United last week.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0416/robinvanpersiegoalvwigan20111203_275x155.jpg"><br>Arsenal beat Wigan 4-0 when the two sides met at the DW Stadium in December

In the build up to this one, Wojciech Szczesny said he is hoping <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1049936/arsenal%27s-wojciech-szczesny-expects-title-push-next-season?cc=5739" target="_blank">Arsenal's recent shift in momentum will lead to a Premier League title push next season.</a>

Join Mark Lomas from 19.45 BST for live text commentary of Arsenal v Wigan, as the Gunners look to close in on Champions League qualification and the Latics continue their fight for Premier League survival.