Wigan beat Arsenal in League Cup semi
(Stuff)
Updated: 2006-01-25 09:43

LONDON: Jason Roberts scored in the last minute of extra-time to send Wigan Athletic into the English League Cup soccer final today after a 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Wigan Athletic's Jason Roberts, center facin,g celebrates his goal scored against Arsenal in the last minute of extra time an English League Cup semi-final second leg soccer match at the Highbury Stadium, London, Tuesday Jan. 24 2006. [AP]

The win sent Wigan through on the away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate scoreline.

Arsenal looked on course to advance after substitute Robin van Persie netted a spectacular free kick in the 18th minute of extra-time to make it 2-0 after Thierry Henry had headed them into a 1-0 lead in the 65th.

Juan Antonio Reyes had a penalty saved by Mike Pollitt in the 22nd minute and the Wigan goalkeeper made several more good saves to keep Wigan in what was a pulsasting, action-packed second leg tie.

Roberts, who had earlier missed half a dozen chances, broke clear in the 119th minute, forced his way past two Arsenal defenders and kept his cool to tuck the ball home.

The second semifinal takes place on Wednesday when Manchester United face Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford, level at 1-1.

The final is at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on February 26.