Watson 90+1
There's something rotten in the state of Etihad.
Manchester City summarised their woeful season with a surprise FA Cup Final defeat to Wigan Athletic; and they deserved it.
The Latics secured their first major trophy in 81 years through an injury time header from substitute Ben Watson. So was it Pablo Zabaleta's sending off that sealed the victory? Or did the rumours of Mancini's imminent departure unsettle the squad?
It was neither. Wigan, simply and obviously, just wanted it more.
Roberto Martinez's men started the game as they meant to go on. Callum McManaman, the bright spark in Wigan's dazzling cup campaign, teased and tormented Gael Clichy throughout the match and passed up an excellent opportunity to give his side the lead early on. City responded quickly and young keeper Joel Robes was forced to make an outstanding save with his feet from a close range Carlos Tevez effort.
It was a waiting game for City fans as they eagerly anticipated a flash of brilliance from any of their star studded squad. It never came. The desire of the relegation battling side quelled any attempt from World Cup winner David Silva, African Player of the Year Yaya Toure or even £38 million man Sergio Aguero to ignite a sky blue attack and 30,000 travelling Wigan supporters began to gain hope.
Player of the season, Pablo Zabaleta, concluded his sides Wembley horror show with a horror tackle that earned him his second yellow card of the evening with 6 minutes remaining. The Latics tasted blood and went in for the kill.
Corner in injury time. Ben Watson rises. History is made.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart 6Wasn't expecting to play until Pantillimon was withdrawn seemingly last minute. Could do little for the goal.
Pablo Zabaleta 5One of his poorest showings in City colours capped off by a red card. We still can't be mad at him.
Matija Nastasic 6Never looked comfortable but made no real mistakes.
Vincent Kompany 7Made a number of brave and vital blocks which prevented Wigan from going out of sight.
Gael Clichy 4Bullied all game by McManaman.
David Silva 6He was hounded by Wigan's midfield throughout the match and therefore couldn't produce any of his brilliance.
Yaya Toure 5Anonymous, even when he was pushed into his favourite attacking role later in the game.
Gareth Barry 5Forced Zabaleta into making his red card challenge with a wayward pass.
Samir Nasri 6Flashes of flair in the first half but like the rest of the team, he was fizzled out by Wigan's midfield.
Sergio Aguero 6No service, no influence.
Carlos Tevez 7Ran himself ragged as per usual and was denied by an outstanding save.
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