Adebayor's late strike secures Arsenal victory

Emmanuel Adebayor hit a dramatic late winner as Arsenal moved into the Premiership's top three after a 1-0 win at Wigan Athletic.

Arsene Wenger's frustrating domestic season looked set to continue as the mid-table Wigan looked good value for a point.

But Togo striker Adebayor - who hit the last minute winner to sink leaders Manchester United earlier in the season - showed great composure to beat keeper Chris Kirkland in the 88th minute after a fine pass by substitute Cesc Fabregas.

Adebayor's fifth goal of the campaign saw Arsenal, who started the evening in sixth spot, move three places up the table although Wenger's side still have a lot of catching up to do if they overhaul United at the summit.

They are still 15 points adrift of the top although this victory will lift confidence after a bad run away from home.

Arsenal arrived at the JJB Stadium looking to end a dreadful run of form on the road. The London club had managed just one point out of the last 12 available away from the Emirates Stadium since crushing 4-0 win at Reading on October 22.

Their first-half performance against a mid-table Wigan side summed up their recent struggles as they struggled to cope with the homse side's physical style.

This was Arsenal's 12th game in six weeks and with a meeting with third-placed Portsmouth awaiting on Saturday, Wenger made four changes to the side which delivered a blow to Chelsea's title ambitions three days earlier.

Swiss defender Philippe Senderos, Dutch striker Robin van Persie, Belarus international Alexander Hleb and Spanish teenager Fabregas - who all started the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge - were rested while 17 year-old Theo Walcott was handed a rare start.

In his side's previous home game to Liverpool, Paul Jewell had watched in despair as his side conceded four first-half goals yet he cut a satisfied look as he trooped off down the tunnel after his side frustrated the visitors an even first 45 minutes which badly lacked flair and craft.

Without seven-goal French striker Thierry Henry, who is sidelined until the New Year with a damaged hamstring, Arsenal struggled to carve open a resolute home defence.

Indeed Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland, who had been cleared to play shortly before kick-off after spending Saturday night in hospital with concussion, did not have a serious save to make until the 49th minute.

The England keeper spread himself to block Julio Baptista's powerful effort after the hosts had spurned a great opportunity to break the deadlock a minute earlier.

Senegal striker Henri Camara's defence-splitting pass left Emile Heskey with only the keeper to beat.

But the former Liverpool and England international, back in the side after serving a one-match suspension, was thwarted by Jens Lehmann who had spotted the danger and had come rushing off his line to make a vital save.

The second-half was a much more entertaining contest with Arsenal looking dangerous on the break while Wigan continued to look for a winner right up to the last kick.

Despite his tender years, Walcott impressed and the teenager looked to have teed-up the winner for Adebayor after a powerful 57th minute run. But Adebayor failed to connect as another chance went begging.

Wenger sent on van Persie and Fabregas for the final 15 minutes yet it was Wigan who almost snatched the points.

Josip Skoko forced Lehmann to fling himself across his line to beat away the Australian midfielder's stinging effort with Camara - five goals in his previous nine outings - unable to put the rebound in the net.

Then with two minutes remaining Adebayor had the final say to deny the hard-working hosts.

Wigan Athletic 0-1 Arsenal


[ Source form : wldcup.com ]