Wigan Through To Final
Wigan reached the Carling Cup final - the first major final in their history - as Jason Roberts’ extra time strike put them through against Arsenal on away goals.
Wigan keeper Mike Pollit made a series of fine stops - including a first half penalty from Jose Reyes - before Thierry Henry headed home on 65 minutes.
It looked all over for Wigan once Robin van Persie scored a superb free kick in the second half of extra time to put Arsenal 2-0 ahead but in the dying minute some slack defending let in Roberts to send an ecstatic Wigan into the final.
It’s difficult to put into words,” said Wigan’s manager Paul Jewell. “Getting into the Premiership was the biggest thing but this is a wonderful bonus.”
“I’m so pleased for the players, the chairman and the supporters.”
A downcast Arsene Wenger said,”We are disappointed. There was one minute to go and then we are out of the competition.”
“The way we conceded the goal was a bit naive. But now we must focus on the Premiership and try and get into the Champions League.”
