Wigan Athletic upset Manchester City to win first FA Cup

Ben Watson and Roberto Martinez of Wigan Athletic (Image via Wigan Athletic official facebook page)

This afternoon of May 11, 2013, Manchester City looked set to take a hard fighting Wigan Athletic side into extra time as full time in the English Football Association(FA) Cup was nearly complete.

However, that was not meant to be the case as a stoppage time header from Ben Watson got past 10-man Manchester City and goalkeeper Joe Hart thanks to a well-placed corner from Shaun Maloney to see the Latics take a 0-1 lead with moments to go.

Despite Wigan being in the heat of a relegation battle for their lives in the English Premier League, manager Roberto Martinez inspired his men to victory. Martinez’s men were hungrier and more creative all afternoon.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will be disappointed to see his side fail to put up the fight they are capable of. The Citizens had lifted the 2011 FA Cup, but today allowed Wigan Athletic to put City in the books for another reason.

Wigan’s victory sees them lift the FA Cup for the first time in their 81-year history as a club. The Latics had made the final in 1972-73 but only had four pieces of silverware in their cabinet until this afternoon.

With two games left to secure their life in the English Premier League, the club can look to their victory over City as inspiration for the last efforts to secure continued promotion.

Along with worry of losing their place in the top flight, many are already doubting as to whether or not Roberto Martinez will still be with the club next season as there are already rumors that he will be the likely successor to the vacated thrown of David Moyes at Everton.

It is certainly sure to be an interesting next two weeks in England and the world of football.