Gilberto warning for Wigan
Arsenal star Gilberto has warned Wigan to expect a Carling Cup backlash in a fortnight’s time – no matter who pulls on the shirt.
The midfielder captained the Gunners in last night’s semi-final first leg defeat, with debutant Paul Scharner scoring the only goal in the 78th minute.
It was a deserved result for the Latics as an Arsenal side without so many of their top stars barely conjured a notable chance at the JJB Stadium.
Wigan manager Paul Jewell insists Arsenal remain the favourites to reach the final, perhaps employing a touch of Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger’s kidology to ease the pressure on his players ahead of the return at Highbury.
But Gilberto feels no matter the line-up, then Arsenal will prevail as he knows they cannot play as badly again.
“We didn’t play our best, and that is why we are very disappointed with the result,” said the Brazilian.
“When that happens, and you play against a team that is experienced and that wants to get to the final, then it is very hard.
“They were at home in front of their own supporters, and they wanted to push a little bit more.
“Of course, we also want to get to the final. Maybe we missed some of our experienced players.
“Maybe we could have won the game if we had had them, maybe not, but what we cannot accept is playing in a different way than we normally do.
“If you don’t play your best, whether there are experienced or young players in the side, you can still lose the game.
“We played here before (in November) and we had a lot of difficulty winning the game even with an experienced side.
“The most important thing is to make sure your mind is on the game. Every time you play you have to do your best and give 100%.
“If you don’t do that then you end up so disappointed.
“But I am really confident for the second leg. The next game against Wigan will be completely different.
“We have a chance to get through because the game is at Highbury and there will be a fantastic atmosphere.”
Wenger has yet to decide what line-up he will field, although he is without a number of players, while his priorities lie elsewhere.
Although their Premiership title challenge is in tatters, it is a must for Wenger his side finish in the top four to ensure they are again competing in the Champions League next season.
Then there is the mouth-watering prospect of a last-16 showdown with Real Madrid in this season’s competition, with the first leg towards the end of next month.
Wenger, who is again contending with speculation regarding Ashley Cole and a move to Real, said: “We will keep our priorities exactly the same.
“The Carling Cup is always used for our young players, while we want to come back into a stronger position in the Premiership.
“In two weeks’ time we will have played two more games, and at the moment I don’t have much choice as there are not many players available.
“Two have left for the African Nations Cup, there are a few injuries, a few tired legs and the season is long.
“We have big games in front of us and I have not much choice at the moment.
“But we have a good opportunity to beat them at home and we will, of course, try to take that opportunity.”
