Santi Cazorla condemns Wigan to the Championship after setting up all four of Arsenal’s goals against the Latics. Lukas Podolski is at the double, while Theo Walcott and Shaun Maloney also find the net as the goals flowed at the Emirates. City clinch second spot after Brian Kidd names a strong starting XI for the trip to Reading, with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko notching the goals in a 2-0 win:
Cazorla Creativity Sends Latics Down
A majestic display by Santi Cazorla at the Emirates tore Wigan apart last night and dashed the visitors’ hopes of survival. Fielded on the left of the attacking midfield three again, the summer signing provided assists for all four Arsenal goals in a sublime creative performance. Incredibly, Cazorla had registered a single assist in his previous 14 appearances but has now produced 13 for the season and with 12 goals and 19 bonus points also thrown in, is now up to joint-second in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) midfield standings on 202 points. Sitting joint-fourth overall in an outstanding debut season, Cazorla is the type of player who requires patience, however; an incredible 92 of his points have been delivered across just six matches, with plenty of blanks testing the patience of owners.
Walcott Nets Again
Snapped up by over 147,000 FPL managers prior to the weekend deadline, the winger delivered his 14th goal of the season last night as the Gunners kept their bid for a Champions League place firmly on course. Having also scored in his previous couple of matches, Walcott equalled his longest scoring streak of the season and while he was mainly kept in the shade by Cazorla’s heroics, he climbed above Eden Hazard, Michu and Steven Gerrard in the midfield standings last night and now sits in fourth spot behind Gareth Bale, Cazorla and Juan Mata. With 13 assists and 23 bonus point also produced, Walcott continues to grow as a Fantasy asset and is already 22 points clear of last term’s tally with a trip to Newcastle remaining.
Podolski Display Gives Wenger Food for Thought
As Olivier Giroud served the last of a three-match ban, Lukas Podolski finally justified Wenger’s decision to field him as the lone striker. The German had drawn blanks in each of the previous two fixtures but bagged a brace against the Latics to take his tally to the season to 10 goals – just one fewer than Giroud despite the fact he has played almost 400 minutes less than his fellow forward, with the vast majority of his appearances coming on the left flank. With Podolski looking in form, Wenger has a real dilemma on his hands for a must-win match at Newcastle on Sunday now; a victory would ensure at least fourth, depending on the Chelsea result, and the Gunners boss may decide to maintain a winning side as he looks to edge out Tottenham in the chase for a Champions League spot. With Wenger admitting Mikel Arteta is a “massive doubt” to face Newcastle, however,a reshuffle may see Tomas Rosicky drop deeper and Cazorla shuffle along into “the hole”, allowing Podolski a start on the left again. Arteta’s possible absence could be a real blow for his owners in the Sky Sports game, where the Spaniard’s passing and tackling makes him a real bonus points magnet.
Maloney Form Continues
The Scot gave his side brief hope with a sweetly struck free-kick just before the break last night. Maloney has proven Wigan’s pivotal performer over the last few matches and with three assists in the last four fixtures, has played a part in four of the Latics’ last eight goals; Arouna Kone has registered just one goal since Gameweek 32 by comparison. The result leaves Martinez’s men with nothing but pride to play for at home to Villa on Sunday, however; a situation that leaves those holding Wigan assets pondering a possible transfer out as Martinez’s men prepare for the drop.
Kidd Rolls Out Strong Line Up
With Roberto Mancini dismissed and David Platt quitting, Brian Kidd was left to select the City starting XI for last night’s trip to Reading. Previously, many had anticipated heavy rotation under Mancini after the weekend FA Cup final but Kidd kept the club’s main attackers in the first XI. David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez were all named to face the Royals as City ensured they finished second behind neighbours United with a comfortable 2-0 stroll. Having produced a goal and assist respectively, Aguero and Silva could be set for further investment as City prepare for a final game of the season at home to Norwich this weekend – if last night’s selection is anything to go by, Kidd seems highly unlikely to field an under-strength side, though Scout Pick Edin Dzeko staked a claim for inclusion at Tevez’s expense by climbing off the bench to score for the second match in succession.
Another Clean Sheet for City
While Kidd kept faith with the main attacking options, he made three changes at the back for last night’s trip. Only Gael Clichy kept his place from the defence that started against Wigan on Saturday, though Pablo Zabaleta was, of course, suspended for the Madejski match after receiving his marching orders at the weekend. Joe Hart retained his spot between the sticks to continue his record of playing every minute for City this term and the 2-0 win earned him an 18th clean sheet of the campaign; bettering his tally from last term and equalling his best-ever haul. Given that the Canaries have scored two goals in their last seven away fixtures, Hart will be more than confident of keeping clean sheet number 19 this weekend.
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