Arsenal's Stylish 4-1 Win at Wigan Prepares Gunners For The Week Ahead

Arsenal's third consecutive away win in the Premier League at Wigan is sure to steady the ship and boost the players ahead of Wednesday's home tie against Villarreal.

Mido scored the opener for Wigan at 15 minutes. Against the run of play, a defensive error left the Egyptian striker a clear shot that he blasted past an outstretched Fabianski.

The rest of the first half was goalless with Arsenal's earlier domination broken down well by the Wigan players.

The second half saw Arsenal settle into long periods of possession, which finally led to a beautiful goal from Theo Walcott.

Wigan dropped off even more, and it came as no surprise that Arsenal scored again. A little one-two between Arshavin and Fabregas led to the cross being converted by Silvestre, his third goal for Arsenal. Having come on as a substitute for the injured Djourou, he was surely the most unlikely scorer on Arsenal's team sheet today.

After the second goal, it was plain that Wigan's heads had dropped. As Arsenal danced around the ball, the Latics were sluggish. The superior fitness levels of the Arsenal players was plain to see.

The third goal came from Arshavin. Fabregas and Adebayor broke with the ball and somehow conspired to make the Wigan defender play a beautiful cross which Andrei converted.

By this point, Wigan was out of the game. Arsenal was however very much in it and topped off the scoring when Song scored a much deserved goal. He has played so well and come so far this season.

Wigan had its share of misfortune today. A missed free kick that rebounded from the post across the goal would have made it 2–0, a much harder psychological hurdle to overcome.

Mido was injured early in the second half, and Steve Bruce didn't have a replacement on the bench.

But regardless of the home team's misfortune, Arsenal was outstanding today.

When they had possession, which was most of the time, they linked up and passed effortlessly. Their defence was the weakest part of the team today, but Gibbs, with his goal line clearance, and Silvestre, with his goal, stepped up to the mark.

On to the rest of the week, and what a week it is going to be. Wednesday sees Arsenal welcome Villarreal to the Emirates. The Gunners have the away goal advantage.

Saturday, Arsenal face Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup Semifinal. After thrashing Liverpool at Anfield last week, Chelsea look dangerous.

No matter the quality of the opposition, the Arsenal fans are going to watch two excellent football matches. The one thing Steve Bruce can't complain about was the style in which his team were beaten.