Published: 13 May, 2013
by PAUL COWLING at WEMBLEY STADIUM

FA CUP FINAL
Manchester City 0 Wigan Athletic 1. Attendance: 86,254

THERE was only water and juice on the bus, and a training session for the following evening for the players of Wigan Athletic. Some great reward for winning the FA Cup.

The Latics became the 43rd club to lift the famous trophy, but it's likely they will be the first to win it, and then get relegated from the Premier League.

Arsenal loom large tomorrow night (Tuesday) at the Emirates, and Wigan will need to win.

The match is just as vital for the Gunners' Champions League hopes, following Tottenham's late victory at Stoke.

Wigan's manager Roberto Martinez apoligised for keeping the press waiting after the game.
'We're not used to celebrating" he said with his usual smile.

But the Spaniard did offer a reality to the enormity of the task his side face to stay in the Premier League.
"We always face adversity" said Martinez.

"We will be brave (against Arsenal). We'll get the players in the ice bath, and back on the bus and enjoy training.
"It's a pity it's not our last game."

Before money and the power of the Premier League ruled the English game, the FA Cup Final would have been that last game of the season, but at least Wigan were on cue to deliver the greatest shock in an FA Cup Final for 25 years.

A late header from substitute Ben Watson settled this gripping match, but it It was no more than Wigan deserved, as they more then matched a poor City side.

Martinez said the result typified the Wigan way.
"We worked hard off the ball, and were solid to deny them (Man City) only one real chance."

With the game heading for extra time, Watson leapt salmon-like to send a powerful header beyond the grasp of City keeper Joe Hart.

At the end of the game, City's crestfallen players knew they hadn't performed, and could only watch in the pouring rain as Wigan and Martinez lifted the cup.

A homemade banner in the Wigan fans' end said 'The little club with a loyal fan base and a bloody great heart'.

It was a message that summed up this famous win.

Now Wigan will need that heart (and more besides) at the Emirates on Tuesday to make sure they don't write the wrong kind of history.