In a surprising move, Wigan Athletic has announced the departure of head coach Ryan Lowe merely days ahead of their important FA Cup fixture against Arsenal. This decision comes amidst a challenging period for the club, who find themselves struggling in League One, facing the real risk of relegation down to the fourth tier. Their recent performance has been underwhelming, and with a storied history including an FA Cup victory in 2013, the current situation marks a stark decline for the team.

Wigan Athletic's history has been tumultuous since their FA Cup triumph, as they've oscillated between the Championship and League One, dealing with various financial issues including administration and frequent ownership changes. The decision to part ways with Lowe seems to signal a desperate attempt by the club to revive their fortunes and avoid a catastrophic fall into the lower division. The timing of this change is critical, as a decent performance against Arsenal could provide a much-needed morale boost.

The incoming interim management faces the enormous challenge of revitalizing a struggling squad just before one of their biggest matches this season. Not only do they need to prepare players tactically, but there's also a psychological aspect to consider in dealing with the weight of recent defeats. As they approach the fixture against Arsenal, the decisions made now could haunt the Gunners or lead to a surprising upset, transforming Wigan's season and possibly altering their trajectory in the league.