Fans favourites Arsenal literally came back from the dead this evening at Wembley to dethrone FA Cup champions Wigan Athletic in the semi-finals.

The Gunners had appeared destined for a defeat when

Wigan took the lead in the 63rd minute after a goalless first half. The goal came off a perfect penalty strike by Gomez after the referee had pointed to the spot to punish Mertesacker, who had brought down McManaman in the vital area.

The Gunners’ hopes however came alive with eight minutes to go when Wigan half-cleared a corner and Oxlade-Chamberlain slammed it back into the area and Mertesacker nodded home. The extra time produced no goals, forcing the game to go into shootouts. Fabianski turned out to be the hero of the night when he saved from Collison and Caldwell to leave final scores at 4-2 and send Arsenal into the final, where they will meet either Hull City or Sheffield United.

•Photo shows Arsenal players celebrating their victory . . . this evening at Wembley Stadium.