Man of the Match Jordi Gomez

Sometimes in football things aren’t perfect but you can still appreciate the experience.

After a run of four defeats with some poor defending Latics needed to get some points on board and Fulham were keen to maintain their good start to the season.

Despite the 0-0 score line there were plenty of exciting incidents throughout and chances for both sides to win it.

Neeskens Kebano tested keeper Adam Bogdan early on and then Will Grigg and Jordi Gomez went close for Latics.

In the second half striker Chris Martin nearly broke the deadlock for Fulham with an overhead kick.

Michael Jacobs and substitute Adam Le Fondre had good opportunities before substitute Nick Powell nearly won it at the death with a drive which was superbly tipped over the crossbar by keeper David Button.

Wigan move up a place to third bottom and Fulham slip down to 9th in the table.

There was a noticeable tension amongst the home fans prior to kick off as another defeat would encourage the critics of manager Gary Caldwell.

The Latics manager made just the one change to the side which lost 2-1 at Norwich, with Yanic Wildschut returning to the side in place of the injured Reece Burke.

The visitors started brightly and Neeskens Kebano drew a good low save from Adam Bogdan in the third minute.

But Latics soon got into their stride with Man of the Match Jordi Gomez pulling the strings in midfield. The creative midfielder was once again at the centre of Latics’ best attacks.

The Spaniard threaded a great ball through to Will Grigg on six minutes and the striker’s low shot beat Button at the near post but unfortunately found the side netting.

Michael Jacobs tried his luck from distance after 22 minutes but his effort flew over the crossbar.

Latics suffered a cruel blow on 30 minutes when makeshift right back Alex Gilbey was carried off on a stretcher after a seemingly innocuous challenge.

The home team’s bad luck with injuries to right backs continues. Nathan Byrne came on to make his home debut.

Soon afterwards Gomez might have got on the score sheet when he picked up a loose ball in the area but dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Fulham always posed a threat on the counter attack but Latics had the better of the opening half.

The second half continued in similar fashion with Latics having plenty of possession but unable to make the breakthrough.

Chris Martin went close for the visitors with an attempted overhead kick but fortunately for Latics his effort was wide of the post.

With 20 minutes remaining Caldwell brought on Adam Le Fondre in place of Will Grigg.

The new signing was quickly involved but he blazed an effort wide of the far post after great work by Nathan Byrne.

Latics continued to pass the ball effectively, with Shaun MacDonald having his best game in midfield, and they created a good chance for Michael Jacobs with six minutes remaining.

The winger’s drive from the right hand side of the area was well saved low down by Button.

As the match moved towards full time both teams had chances to win it.

Fulham substitute Matt Smith nearly forced the ball home with four minutes remaining but a last ditch tackle by Jake Buxton denied him superbly.

Latics then nearly secured the three points when substitute Nick Powell dispossessed Kebanos in the Fulham area before unleashing a rising drive but Button did superbly to tip over.

Ultimately the points were shared. It had been an enthralling game with plenty of chances for both teams. Not all 0-0 draws are boring. Latics had stopped the rot after some poor defensive displays and had shown they are capable of becoming a good team in this division.