A late winner from Ben Watson saw Wigan lift the FA Cup final for the first time in their history and cause one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in recent years.
They survived the threat of Manchester City's world stars and young Joel Robles in the Wigan net made superb saves throughout.
The standout star of the final was undoubtably Callum McManaman, who caused City problems throughout and forced the foul that sent City down to 10 men- as Zabaleta received his second yellow card.
The big news before kick-off came from Manchester City, with Roberto Mancini electing to start Joe Hart for the final- the first time he'd played an FA Cup match since City lifted the trophy 2 years ago.
As the game started it was unsurprising that City had the first chance of the match, as David Silva's effort was blocked in the area following Zabaleta's delivery.
Shortly after Yaya Toure forced a smart save from Joel Robles, in the Wigan net ahead of Ali Al-Habsi. The ball fell to the Ivorian following a poor Tevez free-kick which struck the wall.
McManaman had a chance to give Wigan the lead after 10 minutes as he broke away from his marker, sold the defender a dummy inside the box to create a chance for himself but he fired wide from 8 yards out.
That chance allowed Wigan to settle into the match and the game became a much tighter affair, unlike the Manchester City domination that many had predicted.
30 minutes into the game came the best chance to break the deadlock and it fell to Manchester City. David Silva smartly found Carlos Tevez in the box and the Argentinian was denied the opening goal by a fantastic save from the boot of Joel Robles.
Wigan had chances themselves and appealed for a penalty when Espinoza went down in the box under pressure from Zabaleta. Andre Marriner disagreed with his cries and waved play on.
McManaman again caused the City backline problems as he danced away from Joe Hart when he could've gone to ground. He cut inside again and fired a shot towards goal but by then the defender had got back, with his block denying what would have been a superb goal.
Just before half-time Joel Robles was at it again, diving to keep out Samir Nasri's effort.
The sides entered the interval level and Wigan were, to the surprise of many, still in the hunt.
City had the first chance of the second-half as Tevez turned Scharner and put in a low cross to Sergio Aguero but his shot was brilliantly blocked by Emmerson Boyce.
The favourites also made the first change of the match, replacing Samir Nasri with James Milner. They also got the games first yellow card, with Zabaleta going into the book.
This came after a huge penalty call. Tevez flicked it to Silva who played the ball through to Aguero. Scharner went down and so did Aguero, with replays showing the defender clipped the strikers heel with his hand.
Vincent Kompany made an extremely important last dicth block to deny McManaman as Wigan started to believe.
Rodwell came on to replace Tevez and almost broke the deadlock. Milner's free-kick delivery was found by the head of Rodwell, who has had a horrid first season in Manchester. Joel Robles was again on hand to keep the scores tied.
McManaman continued to create issues and forced Nastatic to make a foul, joining Zabaleta in the book. Maloney's delivery bounced off the top of the bar, receiving no contact on the way through.
Ben Watson came on for the last 5 minutes of the match in place of Jordi Gomez, a substitution that proved pivotal in the end.
Gareth Barry sloppily gave the ball away in midfield and McManaman was on hand to create havoc once again. Zabaleta came in with a challenge and gave away a foul, receiving his second yellow and his marching orders.
Then, as the game headed into the additional 3 minutes signalled by the fourth official, McManaman burst into the box and won a corner under a challenge from Gael Clichy.
Maloney's delivery was met by the head of substitute Ben Watson and the ball flew past Joe Hart. The goal gave the underdogs the lead and set the footballing world into a frenzy.
The Latics held onto their narrow advantage to create the biggest FA Cup final headline in years.
The question now is to whether they can survive yet another Premier League relegation battle as they travel to the Emirates on Tuesday.
Next season, both these sides could have a new manager at their helms.
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