Frustrating day for Maloney’s men – Wigan Athletic 0 Norwich City 0

Posted on February 20, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Man of the match Charlie Hughes

  • Wigan Athletic were held to a 0-0 draw by play-off hopefuls Norwich City at the DW Stadium.
  • It was a frustrating afternoon for the hosts as they had had enough clear-cut chances to claim all three points but some poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping by Angus Gunn saved the visitors.
  • Will Keane had two great opportunities and Callum Lang another as Latics failed to make the breakthrough.
  • Despite adopting an attacking formation David Wagner’s team failed to trouble Latics keeper Ben Amos throughout.
  • Latics lost centre back Jack Whatmough to a serious looking injury on 34 minutes but substitute Steven Caulker made some important interceptions as the points were shared.
  • Latics drop to the bottom of the table on goal difference but they are still only three points from safety. Norwich remain in ninth place.

Shaun Maloney made two changes from the midweek draw at Bristol City, with Lang and Keane returning to the starting line-up in place of Thelo Aasgaard and the ineligible Danel Sinani who was unable to play against his parent club.

Latics started on the front foot and had an early chance when Lang chased a long ball over the top and outmuscled defender Grant Hanley, before driving a low shot towards the near post, but Angus Gunn did well keep out the effort.

Latics high press resulted in another opportunity just five minutes later. Norwich tried to play out from defence but only managed to give Keane a chance to drive into the area and shoot, but Gunn did superbly to come out quickly and make a point blank save.

With the Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny watching from the stands, Keane will have been frustrated not to take this golden opportunity.

Norwich had an attempt on goal in the 17th minute when Josh Sargent was free in the penalty area, but his low effort from a tight angle was comfortable for Amos to save.

The Canaries had another attempt in the 29th minute when former Latics loanee Kieran Dowell fired a low effort from 20 yards wide of the post.

Latics threatened again in the 37th minute with Lang again stealing possession from the visitors.

The energetic attacker played a one-two with Christ Tiéhi before seeing his long-range effort parried by Gunn. The rebound fell to Keane, but the Republic of Ireland striker couldn’t keep his effort down and the chance went begging.

In added time Max Power’s long throw caused Norwich problems and eventually fell to Lang whose volley into the ground was well pushed over the crossbar by Gunn.

An impressive first half display by the Tics, but despite the high press helping to create plenty of chances they hadn’t been clinical in the final third.

Norwich created the first opportunity of the second half, when Hanley’s header went wide of the post.

The second half was a much more even affair but neither team could take control and make a breakthrough.

Norwich pushed forward in the latter stages as Latics tired. Dimitris Giannoulis volleyed over from 20 yards out, but the visitors failed to trouble Amos with a shot on target.

Substitute Thelo Aasgaard tried his luck from 25 yards out, but his swerving effort was wide of the target.

Neither team could create a clear-cut opening in the second half and the points had to be shared.

Maloney’s men are now unbeaten in four league games and they will go into the local derby against PNE in confident mood.

Overview

This was another very good performance by the Tics. The improvement since Maloney took charge is quite remarkable. The team selection, tactics, organisation and commitment are light years away from Toure’s time in charge.

But Latics finishing against Norwich had let them down. They still need to improve in the final third with the normally prolific Will Keane not firing and Callum Lang and Ashley Fletcher only scoring one goal each all season.

I’m sure that Maloney will be working with his strikers during the week to improve their finishing against PNE on Saturday. If Latics are to escape the drop they will certainly need to be more clinical when the chances arise.

Charlie Hughes was my man of the match with another outstanding display. The 19-year-old defender shows tremendous maturity for a player of his age and he just seems to get better game by game.

Steven Caulker did well when he came on but the loss of Jack Whatmough to injury is worrying. Whatmough is probably Latics best player and any lengthy absence could be critical to their survival chances. Latics are already without injured defenders Jason Kerr, Martin Kelly and Omar Rekik.

Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney praised his side for their performance levels throughout and felt they could have put the game out of sight in the first half.

“I thought in the first half, we were brilliant,” he said.

“It was probably the best that the players have performed in my four games, and the biggest disappointment at half-time was not coming in two or three up. I felt like the chances were that good, and that we had played well, particularly out of possession. 

“I told the players – and I really meant it – that they were outstanding in the first half against a good team. 

“In the second half during the last 20 minutes, we had to defend again. There were a lot of tired players because they gave us absolutely everything. At that moment, we defended with our lives to get the point.”

From the very first whistle to the last, Latics were backed by the vocal home supporters, and Maloney expressed that their influence from the stands made a huge difference in helping them earn another invaluable point in their fight for Championship survival. 

“We needed the fans today. Everyone could see in the last 10 minutes that Norwich made numerous attacking substitutions, and we had to defend. In the last 10 minutes, we put everything on the line to get the point and everyone could see that. 

“It’s appreciated when the fans sing for us, especially when we give them a performance like that.”

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Posted in Championship, Charlie Hughes, Norwich City, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Maloney’s men edging closer to safety – Bristol City 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on February 16, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Ashley Fletcher equalised for the Tics

  • Wigan Athletic secured a vital point in their battle against relegation when they drew 1-1 at in-form Bristol City.
  • The Robins are now unbeaten in nine games but Latics matched their mid-table opponents throughout.
  • In a first half of few chances the hosts took the lead when Rob Atkinson headed home from Anis Mehmeti’s cross on 36 minutes.
  • Christ Tiehi’s superb side-footed strike clipped the top of the crossbar as Latics went close before half time.
  • Latics equalised in the 65th minute when Max Power’s cross found Ashley Fletcher on the edge of the six-yard box and the Watford loanee controlled the ball before finishing under Max O’Leary’s legs.
  • Alex Scott hit the crossbar with a header and Mehmeti’s cross hit the post for the hosts but Latics had worked hard to get another important result and are still unbeaten under manager Shaun Maloney.
  • Latics are now in 22nd place, two points behind Cardiff City with a game in hand. Bristol City are in 16th place in the Championship table.

Maloney surprisingly made two changes to the team that had defeated Huddersfield with Thelo Aasgaard and Ashley Fletcher replacing Callum Lang and Will Keane.

Nigel Pearson’s team had an early chance when Alex Scott cut inside and fired high over the crossbar from 25 yards.

Latics responded and after a good move between Daniel Sinani and Fletcher the big striker found Tendayi Darikwa, but unfortunately his low cross was blocked.

Latics continued to exert considerable pressure which resulted in a series of corners but they came to nothing. Neither keeper had had to make save until in the 36th minute the hosts went ahead. 

Following a short free-kick Anis Mehmeti chipped the ball in-between two defenders and centre-back Atkinson rose to head past Ben Amos.

Latics almost equalised on the stroke of half-time as Tiehi’s side-footed effort from from 25 yards hit the crossbar with keeper O’Leary beaten.  A lucky escape for the hosts.

Maloney made a triple substitution at the break as Keane, Lang and Tom Pearce came on for Aasgaard, Sinani and Darikwa. Nyambe moved to right back and Pearce came in at left back.

Latics were enjoying plenty of possession in the second half and forced several corners.

They drew level in the 65th minute when Power’s inviting cross found its way to Fletcher on the edge of the six-yard and he took a touch before finishing under O’Leary’s legs. 

The hosts tried to respond quickly and a cross into the box found Scott in space, but his header smacked against the crossbar and away.

A few minutes later the hosts hit the woodwork again as Mehmeti’s deep cross looped over Amos and struck the far post.

Bristol weren’t having it all their own way however, as Latics threatened when a Lang effort was denied at point blank range by O’Leary.

Substitute Tom Naylor made a superb block in the box in the 89th minute as Bristol went in search of a winner. But despite some late pressure and four minutes of added time Latics comfortably held on for a valuable point in their battle against relegation.

Overview

This was another improved team performance were everyone contributed but Christ Tiehi was especially tidy in midfield, picking the ball up from the defence, maintaining possession and keeping the ball moving. He also nearly got on the scoresheet when his first half strike hit the crossbar.

This was important step in Latics’ revival under Shaun Maloney. Taking on an in-form Bristol City at Ashton Gate and matching them is no mean feat.

The Scotsman has only been in charge for a few weeks but he has already galvanised the team and made them so much harder to beat.

A few weeks ago Latics looked dead and buried with Kolo Toure in charge, but they are now only two points behind fourth bottom Cardiff City with a game in hand.

There are difficult games ahead but the positive vibes coming from the manager and his coaching team mean there’s plenty of optimism  around the club. There’s still a long way to go, but with 15 games left the prospects are looking so much better.

Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney was pleased with the performance levels that were on show in the second period, after he challenged his side to ‘show more personality’ in possession at the break.

“I’m very pleased,” he said.

“It was a difficult game, particularly in the first half. We had to make changes at half-time, and I was really happy with the second-half performance. 

“It turned into a scrap, but they gave me everything so I’m very pleased.

“I was really unhappy with the goal because we switched off during a set play. That can happen, but how we defended the box was the thing I was unhappy about, and the players knew that. 

“I think we can be better on the ball. At half-time, (I felt) we needed to show more personality, and I thought we did that.”

On Fletcher’s goal and superb shift leading the line, Maloney added,

“When he’s aggressive and shows everything he can, he’s going to be a threat, and I need that in every game from him. He can be happy with tonight but he needs to give us that every single game.”

Over 300 supporters made the long-haul midweek trip to back Maloney and his side at Ashton Gate, and the Gaffer was quick to recognise the immense dedication levels that was on show from the travelling Tics to get behind their team. 

“The fans were great again. I know it’s a long trip on a Wednesday night, and they’ll get home late.

“They were with us (all night) and we need them. Hopefully, they can see we are giving them everything.”

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Posted in Ashley Fletcher, Bristol City, Championship, Rob Atkinson, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Maloney’s men back in the mix – Wigan Athletic 1 Huddersfield Town 0

Posted on February 13, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Jack Whatmough

  • Wigan Athletic secured a vital victory in their fight against relegation from the Championship with a 1-0 win against fellow strugglers Huddersfield Town.
  • In a game of few chances it was the visitors who looked the more threatening in the first half but the hosts improved in the second half.
  • After a period of late Latics pressure, Jack Whatmough’s 82nd minute header from a corner made the difference as they moved away from the bottom of the table.
  • Latics are now in 22nd place in the Championship table and one point from safety while Huddersfield are in 23rd place.

Maloney made two changes for his first home game in charge of the Tics, with Ryan Nyambe and Charlie Hughes coming into the starting line-up in place of Martin Kelly and Omar Rekik who both missed out through injury.

Maloney changed to a 4-4-2 formation with Hughes alongside Whatmough in the centre of defence, with Ryan Nyambe at left back and Tendayi Darikwa at right back.

In a tense opening period it was the visitors who threatened first when in the 21st minute Watford loanee Joseph Hungbo broke into the penalty area and shot from a tight angle, but Ben Amos made a superb one-handed save to deny him.

Latics responded soon afterwards when Whatmough met James McClean’s cross with an acrobatic overhead kick which was narrowly wide of the post.

The Terriers then had two opportunities in quick succession, first Fulham loanee Anthony Knockaert tried his luck from 20 yards out, but fortunately for Latics his strike was just wide of the post.

Hungbo then curled a free-kick towards goal from 20 yards out, but Amos got down low to make a good save.

It had been a closely fought first half with the Terriers looking the most likely to break the deadlock.

The visitors continued to threaten at the beginning of the second half with Tom Lees having an effort deflected wide of the post.

Latics needed to up their game and Maloney made a double substitution on 59 minutes with Tom Pearce and Ashley Fletcher replacing Captain Darikwa and Norwich loanee Danel Sinani.

The two changes seemed to have the desired effect and Latics created an opportunity after a free-flowing move. Nyambe delivered a dangerous low cross from the right-hand side, but it was well defended by Lees before it could reach Callum Lang in the box.

Latics then had a shout for a penalty when Lang’s knock-down struck the hand of a Town defender, but referee Gavin Ward waved away the appeals.

Latics now started to dominate and soon after Pearce’s dangerous cross caused all sorts of problems, Fletcher saw his header from McClean’s corner go over the crossbar.

The hosts got the vital breakthrough in the 82nd minute when McClean’s deep corner found Whatmough at the back post and the central defender powered his header into the back of the net.

The sense of relief from the Latics fans was palpable. It was now a case of ensuring that they now saw out the remaining minutes to gain the crucial three points.

They did manage to see out the remaining minutes relatively untroubled and their was a huge roar at full time as Latics moved off the bottom of the table.

Overview

This was Latics first win since November 12th last year and was crucial to their survival chances.

Maloney’s men had defended resolutely throughout but they had offered a limited threat going forward until Whatmough stepped up with the late winner.

Whatmough produced a man of the match performance and his goal topped off an excellent day for last season’s player of the year. Charlie Hughes also did extremely well in defence after the injuries to Martin Kelly and Omar Rekik and deserves to retain his place in the team against Bristol City in midweek.

Latics have not conceded in the two games with Maloney in charge but they will need to be at their best against an in-form Bristol City. They will also need to be better at the top end of the pitch as they were relatively limited going forward.

It’s most definitely a work in progress for Maloney but there is now a renewed optimism around the club.

Roberto Martinez’s teams pulled off some great escapes during his time in charge and there’s no doubt that Maloney has been greatly influenced by him, and if he can keep Latics in the Championship he will also have achieved something very remarkable.

Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Maloney was quick to express his delight after his side recorded a crucial victory over the Terriers.

The new manager was channeling Martinez’s calmness when he spoke to the media.

He wasn’t getting carried away after an important victory against a relegation rival. He’s clearly learned a lot from his time with the former Latics and now Portugal manager.

There’s still a big task ahead but the vibe he is creating is very encouraging.

“It was a big three points,” he said.

“Before the game, I tried to give the players a lot of calm feelings, because there’s been a lot of talk about this being one of the biggest games of the season. 

“I didn’t quite see it like that because we’ve got another 16 games to go, but it felt like a big result in the end. 

“I’m really happy for the players, and the support because they definitely stuck together today. 

“They (Huddersfield Town) had periods in the first half where they had more possession, but they didn’t create so much. 

“We also had moments in the second half without creating enough, but I thought we finished very strong and the momentum was with us, and that comes from the players and support. 

“I think there were moments where we got in good positions during the first half, and didn’t quite have that last touch or pass. 

“The lads have been through a very tough period during the last 16 games, and hopefully now with each point and win, we can get more confident and they can show the talent that they have.”

Maloney commented on the positive influence of the fans that can never be understated.

“I cannot underestimate the good feelings they’ve gave not just me but the players. I know there are moments where the game isn’t as fluent, but in fairness to the fans, they stuck with us. I really appreciate them and it makes a world of difference.”

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Posted in Championship, Huddersfield Town, Jack Whatmough, Roberto Martinez, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Tentative steps for Maloney’s men – Blackburn Rovers 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on February 7, 2023 by ianhaspinall

New manager Shaun Maloney

  • Wigan Athletic secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw against play-off chasing Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
  • In Shaun Maloney’s first game in charge Latics new line-up gave a good account of themselves.
  • Rovers had two early chances when Ben Brereton-Diaz had a close range effort well saved by Ben Amos before Joe Rankin-Costello fired wide from a good position in the box.
  • Latics threatened when Callum Lang fired just over the angle of post and crossbar and later had a strike well saved low down by Aynsley Pears.
  • In a second half of few chances Rovers had a late appeal for a penalty when Jack Whatmough stumbled in the box and collided with Harry Pickering but referee Matt Donohue waved away Rovers’ appeals.
  • Latics remain bottom of the Championship table but are now only three points from safety. Rovers move up to seventh just outside the play-off spots.

Maloney made six changes to the starting XI from Kolo Toure’s last game in charge. There were debuts for Martin Kelly, Omar Rekik and Daniel Sinani with Jack Whatmough, Tendayi Darikwa and Callum Lang returning to the side.

Two early Max Power corners came to nothing before Rovers had an early chance to take the lead.

A long ball over the top found Brereton-Diaz in the clear but the Chile international could only side foot a tame effort into the arms of Amos.

Latics were enjoying plenty of possession with Christ Tiehi prominent and they had a chance in the 15th minute when Lang tested the Rovers keeper with a low drive from 25 yards.

At the other end, Kelly produced a superb defensive clearance as he diverted a low cross out for a corner with two Blackburn men waiting at the far post.

Rovers then had another golden opportunity to take the lead when Rankin-Costello was free inside the box, but he dragged his shot wide of the target from a great position.

Lang then drove forward and unleashed a powerful dipping effort from 30-yards out which just cleared the angle of post and crossbar. Fifteen minutes later he went close again when he forced a good save from Pears low down at his near post.

Rovers new loan signing Sorba Thomas then had an angled strike well pushed away by Amos on 42 minutes.

A fairly even first half with Maloney’s men giving a good account of themselves.

Early in the second half Arsenal loanee Rekik stepped out of defence and drove forward winning a couple of challenges before curling an effort narrowly wide of the post. Unfortunately Rekik picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Tom Pearce soon afterwards.

Blackburn started to assert themselves and they were now enjoying more possession. Kelly once again produced some superb defending when he cleared Thomas’ dangerous cross.

Latics then had a goal ruled out as a James McClean corner was converted at the far post by Kelly, but the referee had spotted a foul on the goalkeeper by Lang.

The impressive Kelly was again in the right place at the right time as he diverted a Rovers’ cross out with a perfectly timed header under pressure.

But soon afterwards Kelly was dealt a cruel blow when his studs caught in the turf and he suffered what looked like a serious injury. Steven Caulker came on to replace him and Charlie Wyke replaced Keane.

Latics goalkeeper Amos did well on a couple of occasions to come out as a sweeper keeper and clear the danger as Rovers threatened to get in behind the Latics defence.

There were seven minutes of added time and Rovers substitute Tyler Morton curled a free-kick wide on 93 minutes and in the 96th minute the hosts had a penalty appeal when Pickering went down after Whatmough had stumbled. The referee waved away Rovers appeals and Shaun Maloney’s men claimed a creditable draw. 

Overview

It’s very early days in Shaun Maloney’s Latics management career but his new team made a promising start at Ewood Park. 

On a difficult pitch Latics had matched their higher placed opponents in most areas. It was notable that they had kept a clean sheet for the first time since they had defeated Blackburn at home on October 1st last year.

New signing Martin Kelly was outstanding in defence and it was so unfortunate for him to be seriously injured. It looks unlikely that he will play again in the near future. Omar Rekik and Daniel Sinani made promising debuts but Rekik also limped off injured. 

Maloney will once again have to reshuffle his defence for a massive fixture against fellow strugglers Huddersfield Town at the DW Stadium on Saturday. It is the proverbial six-pointer with the Terriers only one point above Latics in the table.

If Maloney’s men can secure the vital three points Latics’ fans will believe that they can once again pull off a great escape.

Championship Table

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Maloney was pleased with large parts of his side’s performance after they came away from Ewood Park with a hard-earned point.

“I was delighted with the mentality and the spirit,” he said. 

“I was really happy with how we played in the first half at times and in the second half, we had to defend. Blackburn put so many players forward, and we had to dig deep, which is what we did. 

“A big shout out to the supporters because it’s in those moments when we need them the most, and they were excellent tonight. 

“In the last three months, we’ve conceded a lot of goals, and I thought we defended very well. There are things we’ve got to improve on.

“I’m really happy with the mentality of the group, but I know we can do better in the second half. 

“The games that we are going to have to defend like that, but I’m really happy with the spirit that they showed.”

January arrivals Omar Rekik, Martin Kelly and Danel Sinani all started and gave a really good account of themselves at Ewood Park, though both defenders had to be forced off through injury in the second period. Maloney revealed that both players will be assessed by the Club’s medical department.

“Omar (Rekik) showed some real quality on the ball and had to defend as well. Hopefully, he’s okay, and we’ll find out tomorrow but Martin (Kelly) doesn’t look good at all.

“I’m devastated about it because he’s been outstanding, and a real leader. On the pitch tonight, he was outstanding and made a match-saving tackle. 

“It doesn’t look great, and we’ll see how it is. I’m gutted for him, as he’s been immense.”

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Posted in Blackburn Rovers, Championship, Daniel Sinani, Martin Kelly, Omar Rekik, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Even Christ can’t save Latics as they slump to another defeat – Wigan Athletic 0 Luton Town 2

Posted on January 23, 2023 by ianhaspinall

January signing Christ Tiehi

  • Wigan Athletic remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship after another toothless display against Luton Town.
  • Latics gave home debuts to January signings Christ Tiehi, Steven Caulker and Miguel Azeez but they couldn’t stop the downward spiral continuing.
  • The visitors went ahead after only 11 minutes when Caulker dallied and Harry Cornick stole the ball to fire past Ben Amos.
  • The hosts tried to respond and they thought they’d equalised when Ashley Fletcher headed into the top corner on 25 minutes but the goal was ruled out for offside.
  • The Hatters added a second goal from a counter attack early in the second half through Elijah Adebayo.
  • Latics huffed and puffed but rarely threatened to breakthrough and Kolo Toure’s charges are now winless in nine games.
  • Latics are rock bottom of the Championship table and effectively five points from safety while the Hatters move up to seventh place.

Toure made six changes from the FA cup defeat to Luton in midweek, with Tiehi, Caulker, Azeez, Ryan Nyambe, James McClean, and Will Keane coming into the starting line-up.

The visitors started the game strongly and adopted a high press.

Latics struggled to get out of their own half and when Azeez played the ball backwards to Caulker the former England international dallied and was robbed by Cornick whose strike was deflected past Amos.

The visitors continued to look lively and they had another opportunity in the 20th minute. Adebayo burst into the box from the left before firing across goal and narrowly wide of the far post.

Latics thought they had drawn level five minutes later when Charlie Hughes’ excellent cross from the right was met by Fletcher’s perfect header into the top corner, but the Watford loanee’s header was ruled out for offside.

The hosts had a half chance just before half time when Power and Caulker combined to find Fletcher inside the penalty area, but the striker blazed his effort over the crossbar.

Latics started the second half strongly and went in search of an equaliser.

Hughes created an opportunity when his incisive pass released Fletcher, but the striker’s low strike was easily saved at the near post by Ethan Horvath.

Just when it looked like Latics were gaining the ascendancy, the visitors broke quickly and doubled their lead in the 53rd minute when Adebayo produced an excellent finish into the bottom corner.

Latics huffed and puffed but couldn’t create any clear cut chances and it was the visitors who nearly added a third from substitute Alfie Doughty the 76th minute. The midfielder found space on the edge of the penalty area, but his low effort was dragged wide of the post.

The visitors comfortably held out for the three points in the remaining minutes with keeper Horvath relatively untroubled. 

Overview

This was another poor performance by Toure’s team. Defensive lapses had once again proved costly and they were out of luck when Fletcher’s goal was disallowed for a marginal offside.

The appointment of Toure was always a high risk appointment and Latics’ fortunes have so far only deteriorated under his stewardship.

Latics had started the season positively under Leam Richardson and despite a rocky period it is hard not to believe that they would now be in a stronger position under his leadership.

Richardson’s team had won at Kenilworth Road in September but Toure’s team have been abject in the last two home fixtures against Luton.

If the board had backed Richardson in the transfer market in pre-season the club would probably not be in its current position.

A change in manager and tactics in mid-season has not proved beneficial and the chances of survival now look very slim.

Even the prospect of Joe Gelhardt being Latics’ new saviour is now in the balance with plenty of other clubs interested in taking him on-loan until the end of the season.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Toure expressed the importance of his side working hard in training to improve their own fortunes in both penalty areas.

“It was tough,” he said.

“I thought in the first 20 minutes, they put us under pressure and we couldn’t find our rhythm on the ball. Unfortunately, we gave away another cheap goal, and when you concede so early in a game, it puts you straight on the back foot.

“We reacted well and played better for 25 minutes until the end of the first half. You could see we were putting them under pressure, and we scored a goal which was disallowed.

“We came back again in the second half and put them under pressure, and from nothing again, they scored the second goal.

“In both boxes, we need to make sure we are ruthless, attacking-wise as well as defensively. We need to make sure we don’t give away cheap goals. 

“We need to change and be proactive. We can’t wait to concede until we start playing. We have two weeks to work in training to make sure we create some connections between the players. 

“We just need to put our heads down and keep working hard on those details we need to fix.”

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Posted in Championship, Elijah Adebayo, Harry Cornick, Kolo Toure, Leam Richardson, Luton Town, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Latics late FA Cup heartache – Wigan Athletic 1 Luton Town 2

Posted on January 18, 2023 by ianhaspinall
Thelo Aasgaard

Thelo Aasgaard produced a stunning goal

  • Wigan Athletic suffered FA Cup heartache as Luton Town scored a 97th winner at the DW Stadium.
  • Latics had taken the lead early in the second half through Thelo Aasgaard’s stunning volley but the Hatters equalised just three minutes later through Cauley Woodrow.
  • Just when it looked like the game was heading for extra-time Elijah Adebayo dramatically fired Luton into the fourth round.
  • After eight games in charge Kolo Toure is still without a victory and face Luton again on Saturday at the DW Stadium in the Championship.

Toure made five changes from Saturday’s draw at Cardiff City, with Jack Whatmough, Tendayi Darikwa, Joe Bennett, Aasgaard and Ashley Fletcher all returning to the starting line-up.

The visitors started brightly and in the first minute Woodrow broke into the penalty area and his shot was blocked by Charlie Hughes who diverted the ball for a corner.

They went close again soon afterwards when Woodrow’s left-sided cross was met by Adebayo, but the forward’s header was easily saved by Ben Amos.

Latics were struggling for cohesion and it was Luton who continued to threaten and in the 18th minute Reece Burke’s cross found Woodrow but the striker’s header cleared the crossbar.

Latics had their first attempt towards goal in the 25th minute when a Max Power throw-in was set back to Hughes who found Thelo Aasgaard on the edge of the area, but the Norwegian Under 20 international was unable to hit the target with his strike.

Latics had another half chance just before the half time break when Bennett’s corner fell to Whatmough who saw his goal-bound effort blocked and then cleared away.

Toure’s Tics had a great start to the second half when Aasgaard produced a stunning goal in the 47th minute.

Power’s long throw was headed out to the edge of the penalty area, and Aasgaard executed a superb volley into the top right corner of the Luton net.

The lead was short lived however and Luton equalised just three minutes later through Woodrow. After seeing his initial effort superbly saved by Amos, Woodrow was able to convert the rebound.

Latics might’ve been given a penalty in the 70th minute when Tom Naylor went down under a challenge inside the six-yard box, but referee Matt Donahue wasn’t doing Latics any favours and waved away the appeals.

The Hatters then enjoyed a period of sustained pressure. Substitute Harry Cornick looked to have given Luton the lead when he beat the offside trap and finished past Amos, but substitute McClean got back to make an excellent goal line clearance.

Adebayo created space inside the area, but his strike was claimed at the second attempt by Latics’ keeper Amos. Next Woodrow had a shot well blocked by Tom Naylor and then Whatmough headed away a curling effort from Alfie Doherty.

At the other end Aasgaard volleyed straight at Horvath from just outside the box in the 89th minute.

Just when it looked like the match was heading for extra-time Luton snatched the victory in 97th minute. Naylor seemed to stumble when going for a header in the box and Adebayo was on hand to send the Hatter’s into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Overview

Latics will be devastated to have conceded so late in the game but on the night Luton had been the better team and deserved to go through to the next round.

The hosts had lacked the quality and creativity to put Luton under any sustained pressure. They only had three shots in comparison to Luton’s 13 and enjoyed less possession than the visitors.

Luton are a good Championship side and are currently ninth in the table and only two points off a play-off spot. The disappointing thing from a Latics perspective was the lack of any real attacking threat and some poor defending once again.

They conceded so quickly after going ahead and lacked any creativity going forward. The build up play is too slow and the wing backs are not getting forward often enough. Admittedly there were five changes to the starting line-up with Keane and McClean on the bench and Caulker, Azeez and Tiehi ineligible but overall Latics were very poor.

Toure will make changes for Saturday and the new signings should be available to play but Latics desperately need a victory and it must come soon if there is to be a revival.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Toure expressed that while the defeat is naturally a tough pill to swallow, it’s important that his side regroup and immediately look to respond in the right way when Luton return to the DW Stadium for Saturday’s league meeting.

“I feel gutted for the boys,” he said.

“They gave everything, and they’ve been working really hard for this game. Thelo (Aasgaard) scored a great goal, but we conceded a cheap goal a couple of minutes later. When you score, you have to defend for your life, but we conceded straight away. We have to defend better.

“We were fighting and competing for every single ball in the second half, and conceding a goal in the last minute (was tough). I feel frustrated for the boys for what they’ve been giving.

“We have to keep helping the players to perform and give them solutions on the pitch. I feel like this can be a great learning curve tonight, and we have another game against Luton on Saturday, and I’m looking forward to it.

“We have to stick together, keep working hard, and make sure we don’t give cheap goals away.”

Posted in Cauley Woodrow, Elijah Adebayo, FA Cup, Kolo Toure, Luton Town, Thelo Aasgaard, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Latics’ late show rescues a point – Cardiff City 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on January 15, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Will Keane grabbed a late equaliser

  • Wigan Athletic rescued a point at Cardiff City when Will Keane equalised from close range in the sixth minute of added time.
  • In a scrappy game the Bluebirds had taken the lead in the 81st minute when Callum O’Dowda’s strike was unluckily deflected into the net by Latics defender Charlie Hughes.
  • Just when it looked like Latics luck had run out in South Wales, Keane got on the end of Ashley Fletcher’s knock-down to finish from close range.
  • Latics remain bottom of the Championship table and are effectively five points from safety due to their inferior goal difference and Cardiff are in 21st place just above the relegation zone.

Kolo Toure made three changes to the team which started against Luton in the FA Cup with Steven Caulker making his Latics debut along with Charlie Hughes and Keane who also returned to the starting XI.

The visitors created the first opportunity of when James McClean gained possession and fed Lang who drove forward and shot from 25 yards out, but his effort cleared the crossbar. 

Neither side was able to gain the upper hand with passes going astray in the early stages. Gradually the home side started to enjoy greater possession and Jaden Philogene tried his luck from distance.

Soon afterwards former Latics loanee Sheyi Ojo’s cross from the left was met by Isaac Davies, but the striker couldn’t hit the target with his header.

Davies threatened again in the 36th minute when he raced onto a ball down the right and tried to chip Amos from distance, but the Latics keeper managed to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Just before half-time Latics created three opportunities to break the deadlock.

First, Caulker played the ball into the path of Lang who just couldn’t direct his header goalwards, before Jordan Cousins fired an effort wide from the edge of the area. Then, deep in added time Max Power found Lang with a lofted pass, but the striker couldn’t hit the target with his volley from a tight angle.

Arsenal loanee Miguel Azeez made his debut and replaced the injured Cousins late in the first half.

The visitors continued their good work and started the second half strongly. Power’s strike from 20 yards out, was spilled by Allsop but the keeper saved at the second attempt.

Azeez, came close to giving Toure’s Tics the lead in the 55th minute. The midfielder made a run into the box, and was picked out by Naylor, but he just couldn’t keep his volley down and make it count.

Cardiff continued to enjoy the greater possession but Latics created another chance through some more good play from the Arsenal loanee.

Azeez ran at the Bluebirds’ defence and set up Keane whose low effort was spilled by Allsop, but the keeper recovered to push the ball away, before Lang could capitalise.

There were chances at both ends now as both teams tried to break the deadlock and former Latics defender Cedric Kipre headed wide from Wintle’s free-kick, before Keane was again denied by Allsop with a close range effort.

The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 81st minute. O’Dowda’s strike from the centre of the box was unluckily deflected by Hughes into the bottom corner of the Latics net.

It looked as though Latics would leave South Wales without a point but they continued to push forward in added time and they were rewarded in the 96th minute when Keane scored his 10th goal of the season from close-range after a knock-down from substitute Ashley Fletcher.

The result didn’t suit the home fans with loud booing at the end and after the game the Cardiff manager Mark Hudson was sacked.

The 600 or so travelling Latics fans were however in jubilant mood after the very late equaliser.

Overview

It wasn’t a pretty game against Cardiff but the Tics showed great character and battled to the end and gained an important point.

Overall they were defensively solid and although they lacked creativity going forward they still had several good chances to score.

Miguel Azeez had some promising touches when he came on and might have got on the scoresheet when he broke through into the box.

Latics have been hampered by injuries recently and they were once again without Jack Whatmough. But the experienced Steven Caulker had an impressive debut and Hughes and Tilt performed admirably.

The importance of striker Will Keane and his 10 goals this season cannot be overstated – without him Latics would be in terrible trouble.

There are rumours that Sheffield United are interested in signing Keane but the owners cannot allow him to leave in the transfer window.

Toure’s team is in a transitional period with new players coming in and others leaving the club, but they will need to get wins soon if they are to have any chance of avoiding relegation.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Toure said he was delighted with the spirit that was on show from his side at Cardiff.

“I have to praise the players because they worked hard, and gave everything in the game,” he said.

“We started the game well, and I believe we were the better team in the first half. We created so many chances (throughout), but we have to be more clinical.

“In the second half, it was more balanced, but they started to dominate and scored.

“This afternoon, you could see the players were together and wanted to come back. It shows the team spirit that we are trying to create here, and we want our players to hate losing games.

“I have to praise them (the players) for their fighting spirit, and their mentality in refusing to lose. We want to make sure we give everything in every single game, so we can have no regrets.”

New January signing Steven Caulker made his debut and Toure was full of praise for the 31-year-old as he brought his outstanding leadership qualities to the Latics defence.

“Steven (Caulker) was unbelievable. You could see his leadership qualities at the back, with Tilty (Curtis Tilt) and young Charlie Hughes, and the back three was amazing today.”

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Posted in Callum O'Dowda, Cardiff City, Championship, Kolo Toure, Mark Hudson, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Latics show signs of improvement – Luton Town 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on January 8, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Tom Naylor

  • Wigan Athletic go into the FA Cup fourth round draw after a hard fought 1-1 draw at Luton Town.
  • Latics went in front on 17 minutes when Tom Naylor finished from close range from Curtis Tilt’s pass.
  • In added time in the first half the Hatters equalised when Harry Connick headed home from a Carlton Morris cross.
  • The hosts dominated possession in the second half but the visitors went closest to breaking the deadlock when Naylor’s header was well saved by Ethan Horvath and in added time Naylor had a header controversially disallowed.
  • The draw for the fourth round will take place on Sunday at 4.05pm and the replay will take place on Tuesday 17th January.

Kolo Toure made three changes to the team which was defeated by Hull City with Ben Amos, Rarmani Edmonds-Green and Tom Naylor coming into the starting line up.

It was a cagey opening to the game, James McClean was first to try his luck from distance but his strike flew wide of the target.

Cauley Woodrow then had an opportunity for the hosts when he got on the end of a cross from the right hand side, but the effort was comfortably saved by Ben Amos.

Latics went ahead in the 17th minute after some good pressure.  Callum Lang’s header was denied by Horvath before the ball came out to Tilt who found Naylor and the midfielder turned the ball home from close range.

Latics were now on top and causing plenty of problems for the hosts. But Luton began to respond towards the end of the half and Cornick curled an effort narrowly wide of Amos’ left-hand post.

The visitors then almost doubled their lead as Ashley Fletcher drilled an effort towards goal, but the USA international Horvath got down well to his left to push the ball away.

Just when it looked like Latics would go into the break ahead, Luton equalised when Morris dinked the ball across to Cornick who rose highest to head past Amos and into the far corner.

Latics had an early chance at the start of the second half when Fletcher drilled a ball across to Lang to strike on the volley but he couldn’t connect properly as the ball flew wide of the target.

The hosts then enjoyed a sustained period of possession and forced a series of corners but Latics held firm. Whatmough was much improved after an off-day against Hull and made numerous vital defensive blocks and clearances. 

Both sides then made numerous substitutions in an attempt to gain control but these only managed to disrupt the flow of the game.

Gradually substitutes Will Keane and Thelo Aasgaard started to make an impact and Lang was a little unlucky when he had a goal disallowed for a challenge on Horvath.

Aasgaard nearly repeated his match winner from the league fixture at Luton earlier in the season, when cutting inside, this time his strike was more central and Horvath saved well low down.

In added time Latics had two huge opportunities to seal the tie.

Naylor first went close to putting Latics ahead when his looping header from a Power free-kick nearly found the top corner but his effort was superbly saved by Luton keeper.

From the resulting corner, Latics thought they had their winner. McClean’s in-swinging corner was met by Naylor’s header which hit the back of the net but play was controversially pulled back either for a foul on the goalkeeper or an offside decision.

It was a frustrating ending for Latics who had performed so much better than in recent weeks.

Overview

Latics enjoyed an FA Cup respite from their Championship troubles. They showed good character and determination to get a result at Luton who are seventh in the Championship table. In fact they might won the tie after a late attacking flurry and a marginal offside/foul call.

They had defended well throughout with a back three of Whatmough, Tilt and Edmonds-Green and generally they looked more solid than in previous weeks.

Tom Naylor had one of his best games in a Latics shirt and could easily have scored a hat-trick of headers with better luck.

These are still tentative steps for new manager Toure, but the players had showed a positive response to the recent dreadful results.

They will need to continue that improvement if they’re to get a good result in a crucial relegation clash at Cardiff City next Saturday.

Squad strengthening

Despite the improved display at Luton, Latics will need to bring in new players to strengthen the squad after the departures of Nathan Broadhead and Graeme Shinnie. Both players were well regarded by the Latics fans and it is essential that they are replaced with players of similar, if not better quality.

It is clear the club urgently need reinforcements in most areas and most recently they have been linked with former England defender Steven Caulker who is currently playing in Turkey and Nottingham Forest duo Harry Toffolo and Jack Colback.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Toure said: “It was a positive performance.

“The boys played really well and in the first half, I thought we controlled the game and were the better team, but gave away a cheap goal.

“In the second half, Luton played well but we responded well and had to change our shape to stop them and put fresh legs into the game.

“The boys defended for their lives and everyone worked as a team. The mentality was unbelievable, and in the last 15 minutes we were on top, and thought we had won it in the last minute, but sadly it was disallowed.

“We want to fight in every game, and we want to make sure that if any team wants to beat us, they have to work really hard.”

The Latics manager is now looking forward to work on the training field. 

“We now have time to work on the training field (with the week break between games) and do some specific work,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to that with focus on Cardiff.”

Posted in FA Cup, Harry Cornick, Kolo Toure, Luton Town, Tom Naylor, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Review: How To Watch Football – 52 Rules for Understanding the Beautiful Game, On and Off the Pitch by Tifo

Posted on January 5, 2023 by ianhaspinall

This handy football primer, produced by Tifo the YouTube channel, is designed to help everyone understand what is happening both on and off the pitch.

From ‘don’t watch the ball’ and ‘why corners are less effective than you think’, to ‘how transfer fees can be misleading’ and ‘how to spot sportswashing’, these are Tifo’s fifty-two rules.

Football is about so many things. It’s about stars, goals, and glory but also about intense calculations and movements. It’s about the fans and player psychology. It’s about the coach, the club owner, the director of football. It’s about money and data, about geopolitics and architecture, and even about climate change.

Whatever your knowledge or experience of football you will learn something new from the book. The primer debunks many accepted beliefs and myths and provides plenty of new thinking.

You will learn about different styles of play, about Catenaccio, Tiki-Taka, and Total Football. You will learn about some of the greatest players and coaches, some well-known such as Herbert Chapman, Johan Cruyff and George Weah and some less so, such as Jimmy Hogan, Valeriy Lobanovskyi and Amr Fahmy.

You will discover the half-space, that pass completion doesn’t matter and that more defenders don’t necessarily mean more defensive. You will learn about XG – football’s expected goals metric. You will learn about Fan Ownership and the 50+1 rule and of the devastating impact of the climate crisis.

It’s an extremely compelling climate message in a football context. “There are currently ninety-two league teams in England. By 2050, twenty-three of them expect partial or total annual flooding of their stadiums.”

“Of those twenty-three British stadiums exposed to flooding by 2050, the Cardiff City and KCOM Stadiums will be both entirely underwater, Grimsby’s Blundell Park will be in the North Sea, while the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough will only be accessible by boat. In the Premier League, Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge and West Ham’s London Stadium will experience flooding on an annual basis, as will Southampton’s St Mary’s.”

There’s some great statistics for football fanatics to impress their friends, such as “Since 2010, only 3% of the corners taken in Europe’s top five leagues have resulted in a goal.”

And “In an average football game, an average football player will get 4.6% of the total touches on the ball. That equates to about sixty touches per game in a recent Premier League season. It follows that, for close to 86 minutes of the game, most players are without the ball.”

There are excellent illustrations which enhance the text and encourage further reading or further viewing in the case of the Tifo YouTube channel. This easy-to-read primer is thoroughly recommended for existing football fans and for those wanting an introduction to the game.

How To Watch Football – 52 Rules for Understanding the Beautiful Game, On and Off the Pitch by Tifo. Published by Particular Books. Price £ 10.99.

This review first appeared in the January 2023 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Book Reviews, Football Book Reviews, Late Tackle magazine, Tifo, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Toure’s Tics in freefall – Wigan Athletic 1 Hull City 4

Posted on January 3, 2023 by ianhaspinall

Kolo Toure

  • Wigan Athletic suffered a fourth consecutive defeat as Hull City hit four and moved away from the drop zone. 
  • The Tigers went ahead after 15 minutes after Jacob Greaves produced an excellent finish from a corner but Latics drew level on 63 minutes with a headed own goal from James McClean’s corner.
  • The visitors restored their advantage on 78 minutes when Oscar Estupinan’s scuffed effort trickled over the line before Tyler Smith completed the rout with two late finishes.
  • Kolo Toure’s team remain bottom of the Championship table and three points from safety and the Tigers move up to 16th place.

Toure made four changes from Thursday’s defeat against Sunderland, with Jack Whatmough, Ryan Nyambe, Joe Bennett and Jordan Cousins coming into the starting XI.

The visitors started in confident mode and pressed high from the kick off.

They went close to scoring when Regan Slater worked the ball to Alfie Jones in the area but Whatmough did well to block his effort.

The pressure continued and Jean Micheal Seri’s delivery went just past the near post following a clever effort from Estupinan.

The Tigers got the breakthrough in the 15th minute when a corner by Seri found Greaves who produced an emphatic finish into the far corner.

Latics tried to respond and Max Power curled a long range free-kick onto the roof of the net.

Power was involved again soon afterwards after a good attacking move but his final low cross was easily claimed by keeper Matt Ingram.

The visitors then threatened again when Ryan Longman found Estupinan with a low cross from the right, but Curtis Tilt pressurised the Columbia international into hitting his effort wide of the target.

Longman curled an effort over the crossbar before the interval as the visitors went into half-time 1-0 ahead.

Toure needed to make changes at the break as his team had been outplayed in the first half.

The manager switched formation at half-time with Keane pushed forward alongside substitute Nathan Broadhead who replaced Callum Lang.

Ten minutes later Thelo Aasgaard replaced Ashley Fletcher and Tom Naylor replaced Jordan Cousins as Latics began to assert themselves and push forward.

They equalised on 63 minutes when from a McLean corner a Hull defender headed past his own keeper under pressure from Broadhead.

The momentum seemed to be turning in Latics’ favour but the visitors always looked dangerous on the break.

Keeper Jamie Jones kept Latics level when he did well to save Cyrus Christie’s low cross, with Estupinan poised to pounce.

But in the 78th minute some sloppy Latics defending allowed the Tigers to regain the lead through Estupinan. Tilt’s desperate challenge for the ball only diverted it into the forward’s path, and his low effort wrong-footed Jones after a deflection off Whatmough.

With Latics in disarray the Tigers rubbed salt in the wound by adding two further goals in the 85th and 91st minutes from substitute Smith.

The 4-1 score line was perhaps a little harsh on Latics but Toure’s team have now lost the last four games and conceded 14 goals. The omens are not good.

Overview

Latics’ freefall under new manager Kolo Toure has put them in a very precarious position at the bottom of the Championship table.

Chairman Talal Al Hammad issued a statement after the game apologising for the form and has promised to take action in the transfer window.

It is to be hoped that the Chairman backs up his words on Twitter with real investment.

Latics situation since the sacking of Leam Richardson has deteriorated and the club will require significant funds in the transfer window if they are to avoid relegation.

The January transfer window is always a difficult market and Latics position at the bottom of the table does not make the club an attractive proposition for many players.

Injuries have not helped Latics’ cause and recent recruitment has not been good enough with Anthony Scully rarely seen on the pitch and Ashley Fletcher proving ineffective.

It is imperative that Latics bring in Championship quality players who will make a positive impact in the second half of the season. There is no point in bringing in makeweights, the players recruited must be capable of going straight into the team and making an impact.

Looking positively, the club did get good results in early season and despite the current poor form they are not cut adrift from the other teams and are only three points from safety.

The next few weeks transfer activity will be critical to Latics’ chances of survival in the Championship.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards to the media, Toure emphasised that his side will need to be better in those key moments after they were punished by three late goals.

“It was a very tough result,” he said.

“The 4-1 scoreline doesn’t reflect the game, in my opinion. I felt for 75 minutes, we were battling, and we were on top in the second half.

“I thought we would have gone on to score the second goal and put the game to bed, but we conceded three goals in the last 15 minutes again.

“It is very tough (to take) but we will be working hard to correct those errors, and be more focused at the end of the game. We need to communicate better, so we can avoid those goals.

“We are giving easy goals away at the moment, (which means) we then need to chase the game which opens the team up.

“There are things we can improve, and we just need to be positive and keep fighting.”

Toure spoke about the importance of sticking together collectively to come through this difficult patch.

“It is very frustrating. This result puts us in a tough place but we have got to keep going,” He explained.

“We just have to stick together and keep believing in ourselves. We need to keep working hard in training, and we will do everything we can to make things better.”

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Posted in Championship, Hull City, Jacob Greaves, Kolo Toure, Oscar Estupinan, Talal Al Hammad, Tyler Smith, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments