Roberts fires Wigan to first final

Jason Roberts scored a dramatic extra-time goal as Wigan Athletic FC booked a place in the English League Cup final at the expense of Arsenal FC.

Late drama
Leading 1-0 after the first leg, Paul Jewell's side looked to be on their way out of the competition when substitute Robin van Persie scored with a sumptuous free-kick on 108 minutes. That goal tilted the balance of the tie in the home side's favour, after Thierry Henry had forced the extra 30 minutes with a second-half header. Roberts had the final say, though, stroking the ball in after the Arsenal back line failed to deal with a hopeful punt forward with two minutes left.

Pollett saves
The strike was enough to send the unfancied Premiership outfit into the final, but they were equally indebted to Mike Pollitt after the goalkeeper kept them in the game for much of the encounter. His most important save came midway through the first half as he turned away a José Antonio Reyes penalty after Stéphane Henchoz had handled Henry's cross.

Stunning effort
Sol Campbell wasted a gilt-edge chance to seal the win with full time approaching, and Arsenal were made to rue that miss as Roberts booked Wigan a final date with either Manchester United FC or Blackburn Rovers FC.