Gunners learning lessons in losses, says Henry
The Gunners’ skipper was one of several players thwarted time and again by an inspired display from Latics ’keeper Mike Pollitt - who also saved a first-half penalty - as Arsenal created enough chances to have put the Carling Cup final beyond the reach of Paul Jewell’s battlers.
As it was, though, Henry’s header on 65 minutes forced extra-time, and when substitute Robin van Persie smashed in a stunning 25-yard free-kick after 108 minutes to put Arsenal ahead, that should have proved enough to send the Gunners to Cardiff next month.
However, there was more drama as Jason Roberts chased down a long punt up field from Irish international Graham Kavanagh, which was allowed to bounce through to the Wigan striker, and he stabbed the ball past Manuel Almunia to ensure a fairytale ending for the Latics, who advanced on the away goal rule.
Manager Arsene Wenger lamented the way his side had been exposed so late on by another display of “naive” defending, having also lost at Everton to a similar strike last weekend.
And it was a sentiment echoed by his captain, who was taken off during extra-time to protect a niggling hamstring problem.
“It was the reflection of our season,” said Henry, who is in negotiations over extending his contract.
“To go 2-0 up so late in the game when it was so difficult to battle like we did, makes it very difficult to concede a goal like we conceded.
“We conceded the same goal at Everton, we conceded the same goal against Wigan and even though you can play football, try to win the game, yet it becomes really difficult.”
The 28-year-old said: “We’re learning the hard way. I was in the dressing room looking at the game. It was just a long ball, not looking for anyone. It is a bit strange. The same thing happened against Everton.
“We were not playing great, but it looked as if we would score - then one long ball and it is a goal to them.
“We are all in it together, but when you make a game like we did in terms of creating chances, playing good football and showing desire and commitment, you cannot say much.”
Wenger must now prepare his squad for Saturday’s trip to Bolton in the fourth round of the FA Cup, the competition they won on penalties over Manchester United last May.
The likes of Henry, Sol Campbell and Lauren will, however, all be rested to protect them from injury, with perhaps one eye on the forthcoming Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.
Before that, Arsenal are in league action at home to West Ham on Wednesday night, with trips to Birmingham and Liverpool to follow.
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