- Wigan Athletic produced a disappointing performance and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at Reading.
- Latics went behind after only seven minutes when the Royals Charlie Savage slotted home from Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s cut back.
- The hosts dominated the first half and had chances to go further ahead with goalkeeper Sam Tickle making a fine save from a Tyler Bindon header.
- Latics did rally a little at the start of the second half but some sloppy defending allowed Ehibhatiomhan to make it 2-0 in the 57th minute.
- The visitors tried to get back into the game with Manager Shaun Maloney making four substitutions but they rarely looked like getting something from the game.
- An inauspicious start to the season for Latics with two League One defeats. Maloney will be looking for a big improvement next Saturday at home to Crawley.
Latics made one change from the defeat against Charlton Athletic, with Silko Thomas coming in for his first league start, replacing Chris Sze.
Latics made a slow start and Reading were ahead after only seven minutes.
Ehibhatiomhan found space at the back post and cut the ball back to Savage who slotted the ball into the far corner.
Latics were under the cosh and Tickle did very well to save a header from Bindon before Joe Hugill cleared Jeriel Dorsett’s rebound off the line.
The visitors did have a chance on the counter attack. A ball over the top from Thomas fed Hugill in behind, but his shot was saved by the feet of Joel Pereira from a narrow angle.
Sam Smith then had a big chance to double the hosts lead at the back post but he volleyed over the crossbar.
Mamadi Camara fired wide from the edge of the box before Ehibhatiomhan curled an effort over just before the break.
Latics started the second half much better and had plenty of possession but didn’t really threaten the Royals goal.
The visitors improvement was to no avail as with Reading’s first real attack of the half, they doubled their lead.
Smith was played clean through and Tickle did well to save with his feet, but the rebound fell to Ehibhatiomhan who tapped the ball into the empty net.
Maloney almost immediately made four substitutions and Callum McManaman and Jordan Jones started to pose a threat. McManaman was creating space and getting in some good crosses and Jones forced a good save from Pereira, diving to his left.
Maloney introduced Josh Stones who joined Hugill up front. A Jones corner was headed towards goal by Jason Kerr, before McManaman’s goal-bound rebound was blocked.
At the other end Tickle denied Femi Azeez with a low save in added time before Azeez then curled an effort inches wide as Reading ran out comfortable winners.
It’s been a good week for Reading both on and off the pitch with the prospective takeover by American financier Rob Couhig likely to take place.
For Latics it’s been a dispiriting week with the departure of Charlie Hughes and two League One defeats.
Overview
This was a disappointing performance by Maloney’s men. Latics started the game far too lethargically and could easily have lost by more than two goals.
Reading pushed forward and always looked dangerous while Latics struggled to move the ball quickly and threaten the Reading goal.
Latics striking options are currently limited and Hugill is often isolated and lacks service.
Thelo Aasgaard was anonymous and had one of his poorest games. Dion Rankine and Silko Thomas were also ineffective.
Matt Smith and Baba Adeeko rarely play a forward pass and seem incapable of shooting at the moment.
Latics soft centre was exposed on several occasions and the second goal in particular was far too easy for Reading.
It’s still very early days but Latics will have to be much improved if they are to compete at the top end of the table this season.
Following the departure of Charlie Hughes Latics will need to reinvest some of the transfer fee in an experienced striker.
A more creative midfielder is required although Tyrese Francois could be that player when available.
Maloney has plenty of food for thought prior to the transfer deadline.
Post match comments
Speaking afterwards to the media, Maloney took responsibility for his side’s display and admitted the importance of learning from the manner of defeat and ensuring it doesn’t happen again.
“It’s extremely difficult,” he said.
“During the last half hour against Barnsley and in this game, I really haven’t liked it.
“Today, it was far too easy to play through us at times, but that’s my fault. What I’ve seen in this game is definitely on me.
“Reading have changed how they play. They get forward quickly and have some really strong players.
“The second goal hurts me more as there is a way to get beat. Defending the box is one thing, but they cannot pick up the ball in the middle of our midfield, drive 30 yards, and play a pass through our defensive line.
“A week ago, everything about our Charlton performance I loved, but we made a big error and lost the game. The last game and a half, I haven’t liked it.
“I wish we gave a very different performance for the supporters that travelled.
“It’s been a difficult four days. We can’t perform like that and expect to win. I’ve got no time for that type of performance.
“I wanted to tell the fans that it was on me. These types of performances have nothing to do with tactics, it’s regarding the culture and mentality of the group.
“It wasn’t good enough. We’ve had moments like that during my time here and I need to make sure that they don’t resurface again.”
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