English League 1 side Wigan Athletic have shocked English Premier League leaders Manchester City as they stole a 1-0 win over the side in Tuesday morning’s FA Cup tie.
It wasn’t without drama as City’s left back Fabian Delph was sent off in the 45th minute, right on the stroke of half time. But it was Will Grigg’s 79th minute winner that stole the show and once again highlighted the magic of the FA Cup
Grigg managed to capitalise on a defensive error from right back Kyle Walker before finishing coolly just inside the box to beat the keeper and give Wigan the lead.
Unfortunately, however, the excitement at the end was left a little soured as Wigan supporters were seen confronting City players with Sergio Aguero having to defend himself.
This is only Manchester City’s second loss to English opposition since losing to Arsenal in last year’s FA Cup semi-final. Wigan can now look ahead to their FA Cup quarter-final clash at home against Southampton.
The controversial sending-off of Fabian Delph in first-half injury time followed a rash challenge from the City defender on Wigan’s Max Power, which saw the referee initially pull out a yellow card before changing his mind and issuing a red.
It was this apparent decision change that caused the City players to argue insistently with the referee and even saw Sergio Aguero have to be dragged away from the Wigan coaches by Pep Guardiola.
Aguero actually had a chance in the opening minutes of the game to put City ahead but failed to direct his headed into the goal with it travelling over the bar.
Guardiola still fielded a strong side for the FA Cup clash but made six changes to the team following their midweek win over Basel in the Champions League.
Much of the uncertainty shown by the Manchester City team came as a result of two of the changes in goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and full back Danilo. Both made errors in defence and provided Wigan with attacking opportunities.
City also struggled without the presence of creative genius Kevin De Bruyne and winger Raheem Sterling as opportunities and chances went begging. They managed to maintain the majority of possession but it was the reduced creativity that held them back and limited their scoring chances.
With scores still at 0-0, Guadriola opted to bring on his midfield maestro in Kevin De Bruyne in the 65th minute in an attempt to salvage an FA Cup victory and the chances soon came in waves. Set pieces were now far more dangerous for Guardiola ‘s men and they looked threatening.
But it wasn’t to be as Will Grigg gave Wigan Athletic the lead with only 11 minutes of regulation time remaining and they held on for a dramatic FA Cup victory.