ARSENAL SEND WIGAN PACKING THROUGH ROBIN VAN PERSIE HATTRICK

WIGAN must surely thank their goalkeeper Al-Habshi for his heroic performance to deny Arsenal from creating a much bigger scoreline at the Emirates on Saturday. It was a one way traffic right from the kick-off with the home side attacking relentlessly with wave after wave creating numerous chances in the first 20 minutes.

As early in the 7th minute, Arsenal should have easily taken the lead. Theo Walcott ran to the byline cut back a cross for Robin Van Persie to strike it perfectly. But to the Dutchmen astonishment as he watch - how on earth Al-Habshi made the save what should have been a sure goal. 

In the 14th minute, it is time for Wigan's skipper Gary Caldwell great defending to deny Theo Walcott effort then followed by Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

But with Robin Van Persie in goalscoring mood, Roberto Martinez's side just could not stop the Dutch forward to time his run with perfection from Alexander Song pass to give Arsenal a well truly deserved lead in the 21st minute.

In the second half, Arsenal were a little bit out of momentum with some sloppy passing but captain Cesc Fabregas has other idea when he created a brilliant pass behind the Wigan defence for Van Persie to take on the volley to made it 2-0.

In the 71st minute, Robin Van Persie should have easily got his hat trick but his poor penalty went up sky-high after Cesc Fabregas was brought down by Gary Caldwell in the box. Wigan was reduce by 10 men when referee Kevin Frank send the Latic's skipper down into the tunnel.

But the 27th year old strike refused to bow out and somehow manage to complete his hat trick in the 84th minute - his first in his career, when he arrive just at the right moment to blast in at the near post past Al-Habshi.


Van Persie is currently on with six goals from his last three matches.