It took a great Gunners side to defeat outstanding Wigan, says Wenger

Wigan 2 Arsenal 3

Jewell is appreciably hoping Wenger is right, particularly as the Latics face Arsenal on that closing day of the season in what is likely to be an emotional occasion, with the curtain coming down on the Gunners’ famous old Highbury stadium.

In front of a club and JJB Stadium record crowd of 25,004 on Saturday, there was no shame in defeat for Wigan, who remain second despite their six-game winning streak in the league coming to an end.

“I was surprised by the intensity of their commitment,” said Wenger. “They never caved in, even at 3-1 when you felt the third goal could have knocked them down, but it didn’t. They showed tremendous resilience, and the quality of their performance was outstanding. It needed a great Arsenal side to win.

“They are a handful, in particular the two up front who were very dangerous, but in the middle of the park they don’t stop running. Jimmy Bullard is like a marathon man.

“You can understand why Wigan are second in the table, and I would argue against many people saying they are in a false position. They are very intelligent as a unit and I think they are one of the favourites to play in the top six.”

While Jewell was flattered by the plaudit, he hates being “a glorious loser,” believing such a comment is easier to state when you have just emerged with the three points.

“It’s very nice of him to say that, and I hope he is right,” said Jewell. “But it doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t get you any points. It just means the club is progressing. Thierry Henry said to me at the end of the game ‘if you play like that you won’t be far away’. But that’s easy to say if you win.

“I know we’re not happy we’ve lost. I’m happy the players have given everything they’ve got, but at the same time I don’t want it to be a glorious defeat and to be patronised.

“I’ve told the players not to be happy at being unlucky, and to ensure we always have that desire within us to be winners.”

It is that kind of commendable attitude that has ensured Wigan are not just making up the numbers in the Premiership this season following their promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship in May.

It is also why it required “one of best performances of the season”, according to Wenger, to see off the Latics, who went into the match boasting the best defensive record in the top flight.

After conceding just five goals in their 11 previous league games, they shipped three in the opening 45 minutes, with a howler from goalkeeper John Filan setting the Gunners on their way as the Australian let slip a 20-yard shot from Robin van Persie.

Bullard was left in no doubt, though, about what he had witnessed from Arsenal as he said: “They are the classiest team we have played in the Premiership so far, and it showed through in the end.

“There are times when you are tired and they are passing the ball at speed, with their movement making it seem as if they have two or three extra men. That’s tough. But they’ve been there before, and it’s a great thing for us to learn from and to crack on for our next game against Spurs.”

Opta Fact: Wigan conceded more than once in a game this season for the first time.

Opta Fact: Thierry Henry has scored against all 32 Premiership opposition teams he has ever faced.