Arsenal vs Wigan: Preview and Predictions for the Premier League Clash

After Arsenal's worst start to the season in 58 years, the Gunners turned their form around, currently on a six-game undefeated run and climbing up into seventh in the table. 

Robin Van Persie's prolific form has inspired the team, scoring a whopping 10 goals in Arsenal's five-game winning streak. I know, that's two goals a game—incredible. But contrary to popular belief, Arsenal haven't been a one-man team.

A number of players have stood out during the Gunners' run of good form. Thomas Vermaelen returned from injury and took no time to regain his good form, immediately bringing defensive stability to the team and scoring two goals along the way as well.

And then there's Laurent Koscielny. Where in the world did he come from? The Frenchman had what many considered to be a baptism of fire in his first season at Arsenal, making a few critical errors and was often the scapegoat for Arsenal's defensive frailty.

However, the former Lorient man seems to finally be shaping up as a reliable centre back, and it's music to Arsenal supporters' ears. Koscielny has proved himself in a number of matches, especially standing out in Arsenal's 5-3 win over Chelsea. He's become a master of anticipation, breaking down opposition attacks with interceptions and clean tackles. 

And then there's Arsenal's attackers. Although Robin Van Persie is undoubtedly the Gunners' strongest forward, wingers Theo Walcott and Gervinho have impressed as well. Walcott seems to finally be filling his boots, using his blistering pace to get around defenders more and more often when he knocks the ball forward and outruns his opposition.

Gervinho's proved himself as a good signing too. He's given Arsenal's attack an entirely new dimension that hasn't existed in recent years: wing play.

The Ivorian's silky skills on the wings have immensely improved the Gunners' threat when attacking via the flanks. There has been a number of goals scored just from Gervinho cutting in from the wing and sending an easy ball in for Robin Van Persie to slot home.

Although the former Lille man has frustrated fans with his lack of finishing ability, he's been an excellent signing nonetheless, and finishing will come with time.

So with standout players and a brilliant captain, Arsenal enjoyed a superb run before facing a substantial challenge: you guessed it, playing Manchester City in the Carling Cup quarterfinal.

Although Arsenal's side consisting mainly of youth had much more chances than City, the Manchester outfit were the eventual winners, meaning Arsenal exited the competition with a narrow 1-0 defeat.

So what does this have to do with Arsenal's match against Wigan this Saturday? The loss to Manchester City in midweek makes the clash at the DW Stadium even more of a must-win game. Arsenal were on an excellent run of form, and it would be a shame for one loss to escalate into poor form. It's happened before (cough cough Carling Cup Final) and it can happen again.

So when the Gunners travel to Wigan on Saturday, they must stay focused and make sure they grab the three points to keep pressure on the other top four and title contenders. Although that's a pretty obvious statement, this result has the potential to either continue Arsenal's good form or ruin it.

And then there's the small matter of Arsenal's history at the DW Stadium. For some reason, Arsene Wenger's side struggles at this venue, and have dropped points in the last 10 minutes of this fixture twice. In the 2009-10 season, the Gunners were leading 2-0 in the 80th minute. The final score was Wigan 3, Arsenal 2, with the scoreline pretty much telling the whole story. This happened yet again last season, when an 80th minute own goal meant Arsenal drew 2-2, dropping easy points.

Please no late drama, Arsenal. Please.

Wigan have struggled recently, managing just two wins so far this season, but they won their last match away to Sunderland with an extremely late goal, so Arsenal need to focus for the full 90 minutes in order to ensure maximum points. 

In the end though, it should be a comfortable win for the Gunners.

Final Prediction: Arsenal 4-1 Wigan Athletic