Wigan relegated with Arsenal defeat

Wigan Athletic FC have been relegated after losing 4-1 at Arsenal FC, who reclaimed fourth spot, while Manchester City FC overcame Reading FC 2-0.

The visitors from Lancashire, buoyed by a historic FA Cup final triumph on Saturday, knew defeat would spell the end of their eight-year stay in England's elite division. The mood was ominous when Lukas Podolski headed in a Santi Cazorla corner after 11 minutes as Wigan's concentration flickered. Arsenal, struggling to find their rhythm, nevertheless looked in little danger of conceding until Shaun Maloney's delicious 25-metre free-kick made Wojciech Szczęsny's net bulge.

Arouna Koné combined with Callum McManaman after the break, but Szczęsny repelled the Ivorian's driven effort. Visiting goalkeeper Joel then denied Podolski after Theo Walcott's silky run and cross, but was helpless to prevent the England winger turning in Cazorla's centre soon after. Wigan's fate was sealed with quickfire strikes from Podolski and Aaron Ramsey, lifting the Gunners a point above Tottenham Hotspur FC with one game to play.

Meanwhile, City began life without Roberto Mancini – dismissed as manager on Monday – with a comfortable win at relegated Reading. The deposed champions dominated for long periods and were rewarded for their supremacy when Sergio Agüero finished off a sweeping team move five minutes before half-time. Edin Džeko made it two, collecting David Silva's pass and slotting beyond Alex McCarthy.