History shows Wigan should be careful after FA Cup triumph

Wigan made history on Saturday by winning their first ever major trophy and now jubilant fans are now expectant the Latics can turn their cup triumph into league form. Wigan have narrowly avoided relegation in the past three seasons, and after so many close-escapes fans have become expectant they will again somehow miraculously avoid the drop.

Although their Cup win was something to celebrate and a moment to remember, the Latics should be careful to avoid becoming complacent. Just because they have avoided the drop in the past doesn’t guarantee their safety. People assumed Newcastle’s status would always guarantee their safety, but their shock relegation in the 2008-09 season shows that results need to be earned and points need to be won, rather than status’ relied upon. The same fate could very easily happen to Wigan.

History shows how a good cup run can often lead to heartbreak. Birmingham won the League Cup in 2011, only to be relegated that same season. Also Watford were relegated in 2007, after getting to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Portsmouth reached the FA Cup final in 2010, and many thought their cup-run could be the start of a magical survival- but they too were relegated and have since been relegated twice more. Although these results happened in different circumstances, it shows winning a cup doesn’t guarantee league form, in fact the opposite being true, with too-much effort being put into a Cup run often diminishing form in the league. Wigan’s gamble of taking the cup seriously has paid off, at least on one front, but only half the job is done.

The Latics are in a very dangerous position. Their 35 points sits them 18^th in the Premiership, and are three points short of safety, with Norwich, Newcastle and Sunderland all tied on 38 points. Their final two games must be seen as must-win fixtures, and maximum points are needed to ensure they are playing in the top-flight next year. Wigan cannot afford to let this unexpected success take their eyes of the ball, especially as the remaining two games see them play an Arsenal side, on a 9 match unbeaten run and an improving Aston Villa, who themselves are fighting for survival.

If any team can get out of this position its Wigan, with manager Roberton Martinez specialising in these Indiana Jones style escapes. You wouldn’t bet against the blues pulling it off again, and it would be testament to Martinez if they were able to, with the Spaniard shaping a well-balanced side on a tight budget. The ball is in their court to work their magic again, and they cannot afford a slip-up.

Will Mata