Charlie Wyke on target but Latics are edged out – Sunderland 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on October 16, 2022 by ianhaspinall

View from the away end

  • Charlie Wyke opened the scoring against his former club but Wigan Athletic couldn’t hold on to their lead and conceded two goals in the second half against Sunderland.
  • Latics went ahead when Wyke superbly curled home James McClean’s deflected cross on 44 minutes.
  • The hosts drew level on 54 minutes when Elliott Embleton converted from close range from Dennis Cirkin’s cut back and they went in front on 72 minutes when Cirkin headed home from Alex Pritchard’s free-kick.
  • Despite some late Latics pressure the Black Cats held on for the three points.
  • Latics drop to 13th in the Championship table and Sunderland move up to ninth.

Leam Richardson named an unchanged starting XI for the trip to the Stadium of Light.

The hosts had an early opportunity when Patrick Roberts took on the Latics defence and took aim from the edge of the area but he curled his effort wide of the post.

Embleton then tried his luck from 20-yards but his strike was easily saved by Ben Amos.

Latics first threatened when McClean almost played Will Keane through on goal, but keeper Anthony Patterson came out to claim the loose ball.

The visitors then had another chance when Keane got up to meet a Wyke flick-on from a Max Power throw-in, but his header from the centre of the box cleared the crossbar.

Roberts then had a goal ruled out for offside for Sunderland.

But just before half-time Latics were ahead, when Wyke scored his second goal since returning from a cardiac arrest.

Charlie Wyke

Nathan Broadhead played the ball into McClean’s path whose cross was deflected into Wyke at the far post, and the former Sunderland striker took a touch before curling a superb strike into the top corner.

The hosts started the second half on the front foot, and they were level in the 54th minute when Embleton finished from close range from Cirkin’s cut-back.

Latics tried to restore their lead and McClean saw his curling free-kick pushed behind for a corner by Patterson.

Latics dropped back into defence and the hosts pushed forward to gain the advantage. Latics’ defence were asleep as Cirkin gave them the lead on 72nd minutes when he powered a header home at the far post from Alex Pritchard’s quickly taken free-kick.

Thelo Aasgaard, Josh Magennis, Graeme Shinnie and Ashley Fletcher replaced Tilt, Naylor, Broadhead and Wyke as Richardson tried to get Latics back on level terms.

Darikwa had a chance following a goal-mouth scramble, but he dragged his effort wide of the target.

As the minutes ticked down Magennis had a half chance, but Sunderland held on to take the three points.

Overview

Latics had lacked the high intensity of their performance against Blackburn on Tuesday night.

Max Power, Tom Naylor and Tendayi Darikwa were all excellent against Blackburn but they were way below that standard against Sunderland.

Latics pressed high in the first half with Wyke working tirelessly but as the game progressed they fell further back and struggled to contain Sunderland.

Ultimately it was a couple defensive lapses that were the decisive moments of the game as Sunderland capitalised.

Latics must get back to playing with high intensity, and if they do so, they will have a great opportunity to take the three points against Middlesbrough at the DW Stadium on Wednesday night.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Richardson was naturally disappointed after falling on the wrong side of the result, though he expressed the importance of his side coming together and bouncing back against Middlesbrough. 

“It was disappointing,” he said.

“I thought the first half was very evenly matched, and we controlled the game in certain areas.

“We were very worthy of our goal in the first half, and in the second half, they had a 15-20 minute spell where our distances weren’t great and we never got to grips with them.

“They scored two goals in our box which is unlike us, but we had a few chances at the end where we possibly could’ve nicked an equaliser.

“The lads gave us everything all the way to the end, and there was only one team who were looking likely to score at the end. 

“We won on Tuesday, and we will learn (from) today. Our lads gave everything and we will quickly move on.

“It’s the same messages. We have to keep improving, and we’re all making small steps forward. We certainly won’t get emotionally attached to results because we know we’ve got another game on Wednesday.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Championship, Charlie Wyke, Dennis Cirkin, Elliott Embleton, Leam Richardson, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics’ intensity is too much for Rovers – Wigan Athletic 1 Blackburn Rovers 0

Posted on October 12, 2022 by ianhaspinall

  • Wigan Athletic deservedly recorded their first home win of the season with a 1-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers.
  • Latics were much improved after recent poor performances and were quickly out of the blocks against their North West rivals.
  • The hosts had 13 shots to the visitors three and they went ahead in the 62nd minute when Will Keane’s chipped effort was parried by Rovers keeper Thomas Kaminski and Nathan Broadhead followed up to score.
  • Ben Brereton Diaz had Rovers best opportunity on 70 minutes but he fired wide of the target from a good position inside the box.
  • Despite some late Rovers pressure Latics defended resolutely and held out for their first home three points.
  • Latics move up to ninth in the Championship table with a game in hand on Rovers who remain in seventh place.

Leam Richardson made three changes from the side that faced Cardiff City at the weekend. Curtis Tilt, Tom Naylor and Broadhead all returned to the starting XI in place of Joe Bennett, Graeme Shinnie, and Josh Magennis.

Latics started strongly with a high press and after just three minutes Jack Whatmough played a long ball to Charlie Wyke whose flicked header nearly found Broadhead but it was collected by Rovers’ goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski.

After Kerr had been brought down, Max Power curled an enticing free-kick onto the head of Naylor whose diving header went wide of the near post.

Soon afterwards Broadhead cut inside and forced a good save from Kaminski at his near post. 

Rovers first opportunity of the match came in the 24th minute. Brereton Diaz seized upon a loose ball in the Latics’ defence and drove into the penalty area, but his final shot was well wide of Ben Amos’ far post.  

In the 34th minute Latics had a great opportunity to take the lead when Keane caught out Scott Wharton and nicked the ball away before advancing on Rovers’ goal. With only the keeper to beat Keane’s shot was struck straight and Kaminski pushed the ball away for a corner.

The first half ended 0-0 but Latics had been the better outfit and were unlucky not to be ahead at the break.

Rovers were improved at the start of the second half but Latics gradually re-asserted themselves and  deservedly took the lead in the 62nd minute.

Keane stole the ball off Tyler Morton inside the penalty area and then tried to chip Kaminski who parried his shot into the path of Broadhead who tapped home for 1-0.

The hosts nearly had a second soon afterwards, when the Everton loanee Broadhead nearly headed home but he couldn’t keep his header down after Darikwa’s inviting cross found him free in the box.

Then Darikwa drove forward again jinking his way into the Rovers penalty area before firing low towards the far corner, but his shot went narrowly wide of the post.

Rovers then had their best chance in the 70th minute. A long ball found substitute Sam Gallagher in the area who flicked the ball onto Brereton Diaz. But the normally prolific striker smashed the ball well wide of Amos’ goal.

Josh Magennis and Ashley Fletcher replaced Wyke and Keane for Latics and Bradley Dack replaced Lewis Travis for Rovers on 82 minutes.

Latics defended resolutely with Darikwa doing well to contain Brereton Diaz, but one last chance fell to Dack in the 88th minute. But the midfielder’s his first touch was poor and the opportunity went begging.

The Latics fans celebrated at the final whistle as the team had held out for their first home win of the season. 

High intensity

Latics were much improved from their recent poor performances against Hull and Cardiff.

They were on the front foot right from the kick off and they played with a high intensity throughout. They were combative and committed and didn’t allow Blackburn to settle into their usual game.

It was testament to their hard work that Rovers only managed three shots in the game and none of them were on target.

There were many impressive performances with Wyke leading the line superbly, Power pushing forward and prompting from midfield and Whatmough and Kerr outstanding in defence. But overall this was a very strong team performance with every player showing 100 per cent commitment.

The step up in quality in the Championship was always going to be a challenge but Latics are adapting very well so far.

Richardson’s level headed approach is commendable and is helping Latics to adapt to the Championship. He doesn’t get too carried away when they win or too despondent when they lose.

If Richardson’s side can perform at the same high intensity at Sunderland on Saturday they are capable of getting a good result at the Stadium of Light.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Richardson was impressed with his side’s performance levels as they edged Rovers in this Championship encounter. 

“I think we performed in many of the games here at a good level, and we’ve probably not got what we deserved at times,” he said.

“I thought tonight with our work ethic and in possession, we caused them problems for most of the night and deserved to win.

“I thought that result was deserved tonight on a whole – with the output, work rate and the honesty that the lads give us because whatever result, you can always guarantee our lads walk off that pitch and can’t give you any more. 

“They try and represent the shirt as well as they can, and represent each other as well as they can. Individually and collectively, they want to do the fans proud and I thought we deserved to fall on the right side of the result tonight.”

With Latics putting in a professional display to respond in the right way to two successive defeats, Richardson expressed the importance of not getting emotionally attached and continuing to stay focused on the task at hand.

“We’re here in the Championship trying to compete as best as we can with a group who want to learn and are relishing the challenge,” he said.

“We are trying to make them small steps forward every day, and the hardest challenge for us at the minute is the number of games that we’ve got coming every 72 hours.

“It’s important that we don’t get attached to results. We are on a journey in a 46-league-game campaign, and it’s important we stay on that.

“We’ve got to be really supportive of each other and make sure that nights like that we enjoy. We learned from Saturday, and came back stronger.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Blackburn Rovers, Championship, Leam Richardson, Nathan Broadhead, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics’ home form continues to disappoint – Wigan Athletic 1 Cardiff City 3

Posted on October 9, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Charlie Wyke

Charlie Wyke on target

  • Wigan Athletic remain winless at home after they slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Cardiff City at the DW Stadium.
  • Callum Robinson put the Bluebirds ahead after only seven minutes when he played a clever one-two with Niles Nkounkou.
  • The visitors added to their lead in the 65th minute when Sheyi Ojo converted Callum O’Dowda’s cross.
  • Charlie Wyke reduced the deficit scoring his first goal for Latics since suffering a cardiac arrest, when he headed home in the 83rd minute.
  • Cardiff sealed the victory when Ryan Wintle scored a superb free-kick in the 91st minute.
  • Latics drop to 16th in the Championship table and the Bluebirds move up to 10th.

Leam Richardson made five changes to the team the which lost at Hull City on Tuesday night. Captain Tendayi Darikwa, Jason Kerr, Joe Bennett, Graeme Shinnie and Charlie Wyke all returned to the starting line-up in place of Ryan Nyambe, Curtis Tilt, Tom Naylor, Nathan Broadhead and Thelo Aasgaard.

But Latics lethargy from Tuesday night continued into the opening minutes and the visitors were ahead after only seven minutes.

Cardiff went straight through the centre of the Latics defence with Nkounkou producing a one-two with Robinson and the former West Bromwich Albion striker comfortably slotted past Ben Amos.

Latics tried to respond and in the 18th minute Will Keane had a great opportunity. Darikwa beat his marker down the right-hand side and pulled the ball back to Keane at the edge of the box but the usually clinical striker pulled his shot wide of the post.

There was some inconsistent refereeing by James Bell and the crowd became increasingly frustrated as the referee failed to award free-kicks to Latics.

Wyke was brought down in the area by Jack Simpson but Bell waved away the Latics players appeals for a penalty.

Chances were few and far until in the 38th minute, Max Power found Shinnie inside the Cardiff penalty area but the former Derby midfielder saw his low drive deflected away from goal.

A minute later, the visitors nearly doubled their lead. Mark Harris was through on goal but he scuffed shot well wide of Amos’ far post.

1-0 to Cardiff at half-time.

Latics repeated their early lethargy at the start of the second half and could have found themselves further behind. Amos did well to push away O’Dowda’s low drive in the 48th minute.

The hosts did however threaten an equaliser in the 52nd minute. McClean’s corner found Jack Whatmough in the six-yard box, but the central defender headed over the Cardiff crossbar.

Latics continued to be cut open far too easily and the visitors nearly added a second goal in the 53rd minute. A deep free kick was spilled by Amos and fell to former Latics loanee Ojo, but Amos recovered well to block Ojo’s strike.

But Latics couldn’t hold out for long and Cardiff doubled their lead in the 65th minute. Nkounkou surged forward and found O’Dowda on the right-hand side. The winger crossed and the unmarked Ojo made no mistake from inside the six-yard box.

The visitors nearly added a third only three minutes later but Wintle was adjudged to be off-side.

Latics had a good opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 69th minute but McClean blazed his volley high over the crossbar from inside the box.

Richardson made a triple substitution in the 70th minute with Curtis Tilt, Tom Naylor and Nathan Broadhead replacing Darikwa, Bennett and Magennis. In the 81st minute winger Anthony Scully replaced McClean.

Latics finally rallied and Wyke scored his first goal of the season in the 83rd-minute. Naylor got to the by-line and produced a quality ball into the box and Wyke powered his header into the ground and past Ryan Allsop to reduce the deficit.

Latics now looked like they might salvage a point but despite their pressure it was the visitors who added a third goal and effectively sealed the three points.

Cardiff won a free-kick on the right-hand side of the Latics penalty area and Wintle produced a superb strike into the top corner. Amos might’ve done better and Latics maybe should’ve had more than one-man in the wall, but it was an exceptional free-kick by the Cardiff midfielder.

Cardiff nearly added a fourth, when Ojo raced clear of Latics defence but the striker saw his shot strike the base of the post.

Latics continued to push forward but they were unable to grab a consolation.

Cardiff had produced a strong counter-attacking performance and deserved the points

Latics will need to show a big improvement if they are to get their first home win of the season against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

Relentless Championship

Latics have done well in the Championship so far but in the last two games many of the players have not maintained their usual high standards.

They were disjointed against Hull in their last game and Richardson making five changes only seemed to make matters worse against Cardiff.

Cardiff were out of the blocks quicker than Latics and they posed a threat almost immediately. Latics only started to wake up after they had gone a goal down.

The weekend results showed that the Championship is an extremely competitive division with leaders Norwich, second place Sheffield United and third place Reading all losing.

All three of the promoted teams have made good starts to the season but they all lost on Saturday.

The games are coming thick and fast for everyone, but Latics must learn to cope with the intensity and the relentlessness of the Championship if they are to establish themselves at this level.

Richardson faces another selection dilemma against Blackburn with so many players out of form. Ryan Nyambe, Thelo Aasgaard and Anthony Scully could all start on Tuesday night.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Richardson spoke about the importance of learning from the defeat ahead of Tuesday’s visit of Blackburn Rovers.

“It was disappointing,” he said.

“The most disappointing thing is how we started the game. It was not like us at all, and we always want to impose ourselves on the game very early on.

“The first goal is soft from our point of view, but I thought we were very competitive within the game. It’s hard to digest it all straight after the game, but you’ve got to give credit to Cardiff, who were very clinical this afternoon.

“The quality of team that you are playing against is what we are trying to build up to as a Football Club, from where we were.

“It’s important that we learn. Another fantastic football club is coming to ours in Blackburn Rovers (on Tuesday), so we’ll digest (and learn from) today.

“The lads will be very similar to myself. We try not to dissect things straight after the game because there is a lot of emotion running through. We will certainly be in tomorrow, and be better looking ahead to Tuesday.

“We’ve got a fantastic group of players with a fantastic work ethic who want to be better. We’re not going to get the top of Mount Everest overnight, but we’ve got to keep making those small steps forward as a Football Club.”

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Callum Robinson, Cardiff City, Championship, Charlie Wyke, Leam Richardson, Sheyi Ojo, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lethargic Latics suffer first away defeat – Hull City 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on October 6, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Will Keane

Will Keane gave Latics the lead

  • Wigan Athletic lost their unbeaten away record with a 2-1 defeat at Hull City.
  • Latics had taken the lead in the 14th minute when Will Keane headed home Thelo Aasgaard’s inviting cross at the near post.
  • Hull equalised in the 21st minute when Dimitris Pelkas headed in at the far post from Lewie Coyle’s deep cross. They went ahead in the 65th minute when Oscar Estupinan headed powerfully past Ben Amos from a corner.
  • Despite some late Latics pressure Hull held on for their first win after five defeats.
  • Latics drop to 12th place in the Championship table and Hull move up to 17th place.

Latics made one change to the starting XI that had defeated Rotherham on Saturday with Josh Magennis replacing Charlie Wyke.

Both teams made a hesitant start at the MKM Stadium with passes going astray.

The hosts threatened first in the 12th minute when Cyrus Christie couldn’t quite reach a dangerous cross into the box. 

The first bit of quality resulted in Latics taking the lead in the 14th minute. Ryan Nyambe and Aasgaard combined down the right-hand side and from Aasgaard’s inviting cross Keane headed home at the near post.

But Hull were level just seven minutes later when Coyle’s deep cross to the far post found Pelkas who headed past Amos.

In a scrappy encounter Latics struggled to find their usual rhythm, misplacing passes and losing 50/50 tackles.  

Max Power’s free-kick from 35-yards on 31 minutes forced a save from Nathan Baxter but Latics rarely threatened in the first half.

The hosts nearly went ahead on 39 minutes when Alfie Jones header from a corner was superbly turned over the crossbar by Amos.

1-1 at half time.

Latics were a little improved at the start of the second-half and they could have restored their lead in the 51st minute when Power’s curling cross was turned towards goal by Keane but the Republic of Ireland striker’s effort was well saved by Baxter.

Aasgaard then tried his luck from the edge of the area but his effort was high and wide of the target.

Hull were still the more combative team and Latics were making too many mistakes and giving away far too many corners. From a corner in the 65th minute they gained the advantage. Former Latic Callum Elder’s corner was headed powerfully by Estupinan from the centre of the box past Amos.

It was probably the time for Leam Richardson to make changes but the substitutions didn’t come until 10 minutes later when Graeme Shinnie, Tendayi Darikwa and Charlie Wyke replaced Naylor, Aasgaard and Broadhead. 

Christie fired wide at the back post wide for Hull on 77 minutes and then at the other end Magennis headed tamely at Baxter from a good position a minute later.

Wyke fired wide from a half-chance on the edge of the area on 80 minutes as Latics strived to get on level terms.

Ashley Fletcher replaced Magennis on 87 minutes and the Watford loanee looped a header over the crossbar two minutes later. Keane then headed a Power long-throw towards goal but Jack Whatmough was unable to make contact at the back post 

In added time there were appeals for a penalty when Baxter collided with Wyke in the area, but referee Andy Woolmer waved away the appeals.

Latics excellent away run had come to an end after a lacklustre performance. They had not been at their best and they will feel this was an opportunity lost against a team who had been low in confidence.

They will need to be much improved on Saturday as they seek to overcome their poor home form against Cardiff City.

Not at the races

Too many Latics players had an off day against Hull City. There was not much between the two sides but the hosts were generally the sharper and more combative in the tackle. The Latics players had made mistakes and gave the ball away far too easily.  

Josh Magennis was left isolated upfront and Latics long ball tactics generally proved ineffective. By the time Graeme Shinnie and Charlie Wyke were introduced in the 75th minute they were already chasing the game. On another day they might have secured at least a point by creating late chances, but overall the team had performed well below their usual standards.

Richardson will be looking for a major improvement against Cardiff, as they go in search of their first home victory. I’m expecting some changes in the starting line-up with Shinnie and Wyke likely to play, but also James McClean is probably due a rest.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Richardson was naturally disappointed that his side fell on the wrong side of the result, though he believed that their effort levels on the night could not be questioned. 

“On reflection of the result, it’s disappointing,” he said.

“It’s probably a 1-1 game, and we suffered to a set piece and a cross which we normally deal with. 

The first question I always ask myself with the group is could they have given anymore. The lads certainly tried and you could see it until the last kick of the ball.”

“We are still on a journey, and making small steps forward as a group. We’re not going to reach the top of the mountain overnight,” he said.

“The Championship is there for all to see, and we’ve played a number of games against a mixed bag of teams. Fair credit to Hull City for the win tonight but we will win together and learn together.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Championship, Dimitris Pelkas, Hull City, Leam Richardson, Oscar Estupinan, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tics looking good on their travels – Rotherham United 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on October 2, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Whatmough heads the ball across goal for Naylor to score

  • Wigan Athletic produced another excellent away performance with a 2-0 victory at managerless Rotherham United.
  • Latics went ahead on 12 minutes with a well executed move. Charlie Wyke cut the ball back to Will Keane who fired high into the net from close range.
  • The Millers tried to respond forcing a series of corners but they couldn’t penetrate a resolute Latics back line.
  • Late on Latics sealed their fourth consecutive away win when James McClean’s deep corner was headed back across goal for Tom Naylor to nod home.
  • Latics climb to ninth place in the Championship table and Rotherham drop to 11th.

Leam Richardson made four changes from Latics home defeat against Reading, with Ryan Nyambe, Naylor, Nathan Broadhead and Charlie Wyke all coming into the starting eleven to replace Tendayi Darikwa, Graeme Shinnie, Callum Lang and Josh Magennis.

Latics started strongly at the New York Stadium with Broadhead’s back-heel finding Wyke who took a touch and shot from the edge of the area, but his strike unfortunately deflected into the arms of Viktor Johansson.

Keane then tried his luck from 20 yards out, but his powerful effort went narrowly wide of the far post.

Latics went ahead in the 12th minute after an impressive move. Ryan Nyambe’s curling pass down the right-hand side found Wyke who cut the ball back to Keane and the Republic of Ireland international powerfully despatched the ball high into the net from seven yards out.

The visitors nearly added to their lead  when Naylor headed into the direction of Nyambe on the right and the full back saw his effort fly wide of the post.

The hosts had their first strike on target in the 20th minute when Wes Harding forced Ben Amos into an important save by pushing his strike over the crossbar.

McClean then went close for Latics when his vicious in-swinging corner was superbly pushed over the crossbar by Johansson as it looked to be heading into the far corner.

McClean then did superbly at the other end as he made an outstanding headed clearance to deny Chiedozie Ogbene.

Ogbene’s curling effort looked destined to find the top corner, but McClean did fantastically to backtrack and head the shot off the line.

The hosts then exerted a period of pressure and forced a series of corners. Cohen Bramall’s corner was met by captain Richard Wood at the far post, but the Millers caretaker boss missed a great opportunity when his header from a good position went wide.

Latics had to endure a catalogue of corners but they defended resolutely and rode their luck a little.

1-0 to Latics at the interval.

Latics started the second half brightly and they nearly doubled their advantage when Wyke down the right-hand side squared the ball to Max Power who saw his deflected effort claimed at the second attempt by Johansson.

The visitors then sat back as Rotherham tried to get back on level terms but fortunately the hosts weren’t able to create any clear-cut chances.

The Millers defend a Latics throw-in

The visitors had a glorious chance to increase their lead when Broadhead and Power combined to send McClean in the clear, but the Republic of Ireland international was denied by a brilliant instinctive save by Johansson.

But from the resulting corner Latics effectively sealed the three points. Whatmough headed McClean’s deep corner back across goal, and Naylor headed home from close range.

In the remaining minutes Latics comfortably held out for an impressive fourth successive away win in the Championship.

The games now come thick and fast with Latics hoping to continue their good away form at Hull City on Wednesday night.

Road trips

This was another excellent away performance against a team who had not been defeated at home this season. Rotherham are a strong physical team and are a big threat from set-pieces. Latics had to contend with a lot of pressure after they went ahead, but they did well to weather the storm and not concede.

Latics players are certainly enjoying their road trips and the fans have already been treated to some special away days.

It’s been a great start to the season and some will even be talking about pushing for the play-offs. Consolidation was always the aim for this season, but if they can continue their good away form and improve their home form you never know what could happen.

Charlie Wyke

A special mention should go to Charlie Wyke who led the line to great effect. He is not only an outstanding target man who holds the ball up well and plays in his colleagues, but he also poses a significant goal threat.

It was his first start in 11 months after suffering a cardiac arrest and many people thought he would never be able to play again. It was great to see him back on the pitch and producing such a strong performance. Wyke lost his grandad on Thursday, so it was even more remarkable that he produced such a committed display against Rotherham.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Richardson believed that his side were more than worthy of all three points following their outstanding away performance against the Millers.

“It’s not an easy place to come to,” he said.

“Rotherham have some really good players, and they’ve been going really well as a Football Club. Before the game, they hadn’t conceded a goal in the first half hour, and they had not conceded a set-piece, and they’d certainly not lost at home, so to do all three was really pleasing.

I thought the first half was competitive, and we started the game terrifically well. It was probably even going into the second half, but I thought as an away team, we managed the game really well and to get the second goal, we took the sting out of the game and grew in confidence from there. 

The lads stuck to the task, and responded from our last game with the outputs and energy levels, and I thought we were worthy winners today.

Credit goes to the players, and the staff who worked really hard in the international break. We had a really good training week this week, and it filtered out on the pitch. It’s pleasing all round today.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Championship, Leam Richardson, Rotherham United, Tom Naylor, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Home and away mystery – Wigan Athletic 0 Reading 1

Posted on September 19, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Leam Richardson Wigan Athletic

Leam Richardson with food for thought after defeat to Reading

  • Wigan Athletic produced another below par home performance losing 1-0 to Reading at the DW Stadium.
  • Latics have been impressive on their travels but have struggled to re-create that form at the DW Stadium and they rarely threatened to get the victory against Reading.
  • In a game of very few chances it was the visitors who grabbed all three points when Tom Ince’s superb free-kick in the 63rd minute was the only moment of real quality.
  • Latics are now 12th in the Championship table and Reading move up to third.

Leam Richardson made two changes from the 2-1 victory at Huddersfield Town in midweek with Ben Amos and captain Tendayi Darikwa returning to the starting line-up in place of Jamie Jones and Ryan Nyambe.

It was a slow start to the game with neither team creating any real opportunities in the early stages.

The first chance came in the 24th minute when the visitors Andy Yiadom cut the ball back to Jeff Hendrick who fired over the crossbar from just six yards out.

Latics responded and Darikwa’s deep cross found Josh Magennis at the far post, but the striker headed narrowly wide of the post.

The hosts had another rare opportunity in the 42nd minute. Magennis knocked the ball onto Aasgaard who did well to find space but his shot from just inside the penalty area flew high and wide of the left hand post.

Paul Ince’s side were looking for a reset after their heavy defeat to Sunderland and both teams seemed reluctant to take any risks in a mediocre first-half.

The visitors made the better start to the second half and created a great opportunity in the 59th minute. Ince’s corner came to Junior Hoilett and the winger crossed low to defender Tom McIntyre who looked odds on to score but fired wide from inside the penalty area.

But the visitors were ahead in the 62nd minute. There was a debatable foul by Max Power on Ince on the edge of the Latics area awarded by referee David Webb. 

Ince took the resulting free-kick and curled the ball superbly into the top right-hand corner.

Latics tried to respond with Keane nearly finding the equaliser in the 67th minute.  James McClean crossed to the near post where Keane’s flicked header came back off the inside of the post and was cleared away to safety.

Reading then nearly doubled their lead, when McIntyre found himself free on the left-hand side and crossed to Ince who headed down into the turf and saw it bounce over Amos’ crossbar.

Latics then had a great chance to equalise when Keane did well to find Lang in space but the striker failed to show composure and fired his strike high over the crossbar.

The hosts continued to push for an equaliser but the visitors nearly added to their lead on the counterattack with ten minutes remaining.

Ince played substitute Yakou Meite through on goal but Amos did brilliantly to  come off his line and block Meite’s strike.

Latics continued to press forward and late on substitute Charlie Wyke nearly got on the scoresheet when his header under pressure from a defender cleared the crossbar.

It had been a strangely subdued Latics home performance in contrast to their excellent away displays.

Overall Reading had managed the game better than Latics and it was one moment of quality from Tom Ince that had decided the three points. 

Richardson will have plenty of food for thought during the international break prior to their next game at Rotherham on the 1st October.

Home and Away

It is something of a mystery why Latics have not won at home and have not lost away. They have only managed three points at home but have been excellent on their travels and gained ten points.

Some fans have blamed Richardson’s tactics for the lack of home wins but these tactics have been effective away from home and with the same squad of players.

Why Latics have struggled at home this season could be for a variety of reasons: the step up in quality in the Championship; the expectation that you should win your home games; the psychological mindset required to perform consistently and the inevitable fine margins in a tight division.

Grabbing that first home win and achieving consistency now is the challenge for Latics in an extremely competitive Championship.

Post match comments 

Speaking afterwards, Richardson admitted that while it wasn’t their day at the DW Stadium, they will be using the disappointment in a positive way. 

“It was tough,” he said.

“The game was there to be won, and I think we played with enough energy, impetus and sharpness during the first half. 

We had to take the game to them and try and make those opportunities. We controlled possession and had enough shots but not enough on target. 

We didn’t really put them under enough pressure (compared) to what we normally do. We have to play at a certain level to be the best versions of ourselves and we just dipped a little.

As a team collectively, we’ve got to be better, sharper and more productive with what we do. We took the game to them towards the game and we had enough final third entries – we hit the post and had a couple of chances – but it’s a tough league and we’ve got to be at it every single time we take the pitch.

We are still learning and growing as a group, as a team. Today, it’s not our finest day but we’ll learn from it and quickly educate ourselves and be better. 

We will certainly know the next time how we become more productive, and sharper in certain areas, which will help us be productive.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Championship, Leam Richardson, Reading, Tom Ince, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Review: Two Brothers – The Life and Times of Bobby and Jackie Charlton by Jonathan Wilson

Posted on September 15, 2022 by ianhaspinall

‘Two Brothers’ is not only an inspiring story about two of the most famous footballing brothers, but it is also about late twentieth-century English football and the changes that were taking place.

Jonathan Wilson traces the incredible lives of Bobby and Jackie Charlton from their childhood working class roots through to their battles with dementia.

Jack’s childhood seemed quite extreme in a modern context. He managed to get into many scrapes and had a wanderlust for adventures. Bobby in contrast was quiet and serious.

Jack was an extrovert and Bobby an introvert, but both enjoyed great success as players: Jack won a league, a Cup and two Fairs Cups with Leeds; Bobby won a league title, survived the terrible disaster of the plane crash in Munich, and then at enormous emotional cost, won a Cup and two more league titles before capping it off with the European Cup. Together, for England, they won the World Cup.

Wilson provides new information about some of the major football characters of their generation, figures such as Alf Ramsay, Matt Busby, Don Revie, and George Best.

Despite winning the European Cup together George never really got on with Bobby, ‘I represented the future of Manchester United – or should have done, ’ Best acknowledged. ‘Charlton represented the past.’ That was not simply about age; it was also about attitude. Best once said he was ‘grateful’ to have been born in 1946 and not 1926. ‘We don’t have to stick rigidly to the short back and sides and wear-your-club-blazer-at-all-times routine of the past,’ he said.

Busby was a very powerful figure in Bobby’s life but ultimately, he became disillusioned with Busby for his treatment of Jimmy Murphy. As they got older, the brothers became more estranged, probably because of tension between their mother Cissie and Bobby’s wife Norma.

Their managerial careers followed predictably diverging paths, Bobby failing at Preston while Jack enjoyed success at Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday before leading Ireland to previously unimagined heights.

Wilson contextualises the brothers as competing forces that shaped English and Irish football and society between the end of the second world war and the turn of the Millennium. He interestingly uses the brothers to demonstrate the tensions between flair and industry and between individuality and the collective, between right and left, between middle and working classes, between exile and home.

This significant new book about a great footballing family provides many new insights for those of the same generation but it will also provide a compelling read for those who are unfamiliar with the impact of the Charlton brothers.

Two Brothers – The Life and Times of Bobby and Jackie Charlton by Jonathan Wilson. Published by Little, Brown. Price £20.

This review first appeared in the September 2022 edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Bobby Charlton, Book Reviews, Football Book Reviews, Jack Charlton, Jonathan Wilson, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Latics keep Terriers in the doldrums –  Huddersfield Town 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on September 14, 2022 by ianhaspinall

The scene is set in Huddersfield

  • Wigan Athletic produced another impressive away performance with a 2-1 victory at the John Smith’s Stadium.
  • Will Keane put Latics ahead on 25 minutes from the penalty spot after Callum Lang had been brought down in the box by Luke Mbete.
  • Huddersfield drew level on 76 minutes through Tom Lees but Latics sealed their third consecutive away victory on 82 minutes when Lang turned in the box before firing past Lee Nicholls.
  • Latics moved up to eighth in the Championship table while the Terriers remain second bottom.

Leam Richardson made three changes from their 2-1 victory at Luton Town with Jamie Jones, Graeme Shinnie and Thelo Aasgaard all coming into the starting XI for Ben Amos, Jason Kerr and Tom Naylor.

Before the kick off, a minute of silence was well observed by both sets of supporters in tribute to Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Latics had their first attempt towards goal on 7 minutes when a cross was half cleared to James McClean on the edge of the area, but his right-footed effort was wide of the target.

The hosts wasted a huge opportunity to break the deadlock in the 16th minute when Duane Holmes’ low cross from the right-hand side was skied over the crossbar by the sliding Danny Ward inside the six-yard box.

Latics looked dangerous at the other end and they went ahead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute. 

Aasgaard’s perfect pass allowed Lang to race through on goal, and as the Latics striker was about to pull the trigger he was brought down by Mbete.

Keane confidently fired his spot kick high into the roof of the net. 

They had another good opportunity in the 37th minute. Josh Magennis did well to hold up the ball before pulling it back to Aasgaard, but the young Norwegian miscued his effort off target.

Max Power tried his luck from 20 yards but his volleyed effort was well wide. 

As half-time approached McClean’s left-sided cross, found Lang in the box but his header was comfortably saved by former Latics goalkeeper Lee Nicholls.

Early in the second half Latics almost doubled their lead.

Jack Whatmough met Power’s in-swinging corner at the far post, and his header came off the outside of the post. 

Aasgaard then had two great chances in a matter of minutes to add to Latics advantage. First, he curled his effort over the crossbar with Nicholls out of his goal, and then he headed Power’s free-kick over the crossbar.

The hosts responded when Jack Rudoni took aim from distance, but his powerful effort was was well held by Jones.

Lang, who was a threat throughout, had another huge chance when he latched onto Magennis’ flick but after taking it round the onrushing keeper the angle was too tight and Nicholls saved easily.

The hosts then had a strong spell as Latics retreated into defence.

Yuta Nakayama sliced an effort over from a great position and then from a free-kick situation, his curling effort was pushed over by Jones. 

But Huddersfield were level in the 75th minute. Curtis Tilt did brilliantly to hook substitute Jordan Rhodes’ effort off the line but Lees found the bottom corner with a low drive from the edge of the box. 

Danny Schofield’s team were now in the ascendancy and almost went in front but Rhodes’ rising strike came off the woodwork. 

Goalkeeper Jones then did superbly to block substitute Pat Jones’ fierce effort from point-blank range. 

It was now looking as though the hosts would take all three points but with eight minutes remaining it was Latics who sealed the points.

McClean pulled the ball back to Lang, and despite being surrounded by defenders he was able to turn in the box and fire a low effort, which wrong footed Nicholls, into the bottom corner of the net.

In a game of numerous chances for both teams Latics held on for a hard-fought away victory.

Latics on the attack

Impressive start to the season

Many people predicted that Latics would struggle in the Championship after promotion from League One, but they have made an impressive start to their campaign. After eight games they sit in eighth position and with a game in hand on some of the clubs around them.

They have only lost one game so far against Burnley and they have already won three games on the road.

The new signings have added greater competition for a starting place and there is now strength in depth. Lang has started the Championship campaign very strongly and was a constant threat against Huddersfield and Aasgaard is now starting to fulfil his undoubted potential.

Richardson will be pleased with his team’s progress but he will not be getting carried away as there will be stern tests ahead.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards, Richardson was delighted with how his side remained undeterred by Lees’ 76th-minute equaliser and showed immense character to still go on to get the winner against the Terriers.

“It epitomises where they are at the minute, and long may that continue,” he said.

“To win away late again – we did it at Luton, Birmingham City and we’ve done it tonight – (is very pleasing).

“It’s a challenging place to come against a team that is full of good players, and we knew the challenge that was right in front of us.

I thought in the first half, we were excellent. I thought the game turned on (the missed chances) a little bit, but to respond from the equaliser, it’s a credit to the players and a credit to the staff. It’s great character and a great habit to have. 

I thought they worked hard enough to create that bit of luck, and to show the character to stay in the game, take the punches and go up the other end to get the winner. 

They’ve worked hard during the last 7-10 days, but I thought we were good value for the result. To come here, be competitive, and control the ball in large parts was pleasing.”

Latics were once again backed in numbers at John Smith’s Stadium, and Richardson reiterated that there is no better feeling for the players than being able to send the travelling supporters home with a smile on their faces.

“They can’t get enough of that (feeling),” he smiled.

“ The away support is fantastic, and to come away from home and score in front of your own fans – there is no better feeling for the lads.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

Posted in Callum Lang, Championship, Huddersfield Town, Leam Richardson, Tom Lees, Wigan Athletic, Will Keane | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics late show stuns the Hatters – Luton Town 1 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on September 4, 2022 by ianhaspinall
Thelo Aasgaard

Thelo Aasgaard scored a sublime winner

  • Wigan Athletic came back from 1-0 down to stun Luton Town with two late goals at Kenilworth Road.
  • The hosts had taken the lead in a first half they had dominated, with Carlton Morris heading past Ben Amos on 39 minutes.
  • Latics goalkeeper Amos had superbly denied earlier efforts from Elijah Adebayo, Luke Freeman and Morris.
  • Leam Richardson changed formation and made three substitutions in the 62nd minute and Latics showed a marked improvement.
  • The visitors drew level when Callum Lang’s cross shot was deflected into his own goal by Tom Lockyer on 80 minutes.
  • They sealed a remarkable comeback when substitute Thelo Aasgaard curled a superb strike past Luton keeper Ethan Horvath on 88 minutes.
  • Latics move up to 14th in the Championship table and the Hatters drop to 16th place.

Richardson made one change from Tuesday’s draw against West Bromwich Albion, with Lang replacing Graeme Shinnie.

The hosts were the first to threaten when Adebayo broke into the penalty area but Amos came out quickly and saved brilliantly at point-blank range.

Latics had their first effort on goal two minutes later when James McClean’s volley was deflected wide of the near post.

Lang then threaded a great through ball to Josh Magennis and the striker drilled his low strike against the near post, but the flag had already been raised for offside by the assistant referee.

Amos again came to Latics’ rescue on 34 minutes when Freeman’s powerful strike from 20-yards-out looked destined for the top corner but the former Charlton stopper produced an outstanding save.

Luton continued to press and Amos saved superbly with his feet to deny Morris.

Then from a corner Lockyer headed towards goal but Max Power recognised the danger and cleared his effort off the line.

But the hosts went ahead just before half time when Morris headed Bree’s cross into the top right corner at the far post.

The Hatters had dominated the first half and Latics had resorted to pumping long balls forward to little effect.

It would require a major improvement in the second half if Latics were going to get anything from the game.

1-0 to Luton at the break.

Early in the second half the hosts nearly added to their lead when Gabe Osho shot from the edge of the area, but his effort was well blocked by Curtis Tilt.

Latics went close in the 54th minute when Will Keane met McClean’s right-sided corner but his headed effort flew over the crossbar.

Osho then had another chance when he cut in from the right, but his left-footed effort curled over the crossbar.

Richardson decided it was time to make a change in formation and personnel on 62 minutes when he made a triple substitution and went to a back four. Shinnie, Aasgaard and Nathan Broadhead coming on for Jason Kerr, Tom Naylor and Magennis.

The visitors went in search of an equaliser and Aasgaard did well to play the ball to McClean whose cross found Lang at the far post, but his diving header went wide of the target.

Latics were now in the ascendancy and they equalised with 10 minutes remaining through Lang.

Ryan Nyambe showed great strength and determination to win back possession and then pick out Lang whose cross shot deflected off Lockyer and into the net.

The visitors might’ve had a penalty when Shinnie appeared to be taken down in the box but referee Chris Kavanagh waved away the appeals.

Latics looked like they had secured a good point, but things got even better on 88 minutes when Aasgaard produced a touch of Norwegian magic to grab all three points.

The Academy graduate calmly took a touch on the edge of the area before sublimely curling the ball into the top right corner. Cue ecstatic scenes from the away end of the ground.

Luton had a late effort correctly ruled out for offside and Latics held on for a valuable three points on the road.

Man of the Match

Ben Amos produced a Man of the Match performance

Both Lang and Aasgaard did brilliantly to turn the game in Latics favour, but when they were under the cosh in the first half they could easily have been three or four goals behind, but for Amos’ superb goalkeeping.

The Latics keeper produced a Man of the Match performance with three top drawer saves to deny the Hatters.

Richardson’s tactical changes

The Latics manager started with three centre-backs and two wing-backs but it effectively became a back five in the first half as Luton used a high press to dominate.

Latics resorted to long balls up the field to Magennis which was invariably ineffective.

It was clear something had to change and on the hour mark Richardson moved to a back four and introduced Aasgaard, Broadhead and Shinnie.

It was a tactical masterstroke as the formation and the substitutions changed the course of the game.

As Luton became more tired Latics moved up a gear and Aasgaard’s fantastic finish was the icing on the cake.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Richardson was full of praise for his side’s excellent second-half performance and spoke about the importance of how the players are in the right mindset to come on and change the game – like Graeme Shinnie, Nathan Broadhead and Aasgaard.

“It’s a good day in the end, to have a three-game week as we’ve had with Burnley, West Brom and away at Luton, it’s a really high challenge.

In the main, the lads have stood up to the task. Today, we wanted to be more like us, and you have to match the fight, running and work ethic against Luton. 

In the main, we did that out of possession but we weren’t good enough in possession in the first half. The lads knew that and in the second half, I thought we were excellent and deserved the momentum we put forward. 

We certainly deserved the equaliser, and possibly should’ve got a penalty to get the winner (before Thelo popped up). 

I’ve got to praise the squad in the main – the lads coming off the bench onto the pitch – to raise the bar as they do.

If you don’t go onto the pitch with the right mindset, you don’t get the wins as we did. Collectively, the lads are in a really good mindset, and in a really strong place and that’s their responsibility.

We need to make sure we are tactically aware, and to be fit, strong and healthy enough to regenerate and accept the challenges that are coming. Collectively, we are in a good pace and we need to keep making small steps forward.”

Richardson expressed that there is no better feeling than his side getting the winner in front of the 1,032 travelling supporters.

“To score in front of them as we did – and get the winner as we did – it doesn’t get any better!

We‘ll need them even more coming into the next few challenges, but a sold-out away end at Kenilworth Road and (Thelo) scoring the winner is very pleasing.”

Latics on the attack at Luton

Posted in Callum Lang, Carlton Morris, Championship, Leam Richardson, Luton Town, Thelo Aasgaard, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A good point made – Wigan Athletic 1 West Bromwich Albion 1

Posted on August 31, 2022 by ianhaspinall

Josh Magennis grabbed his first goal of the season

  • Wigan Athletic bounced back from Saturday’s 5-1 defeat to Burnley with a creditable point at home to West Bromwich Albion.
  • Latics took an early lead when Josh Magennis muscled his way past Semi Ajayi to fire home.
  • But a mistake by Tom Naylor allowed the Baggies to draw level on 22 minutes when Karlan Grant’s low drive found the bottom corner.
  • Both teams huffed and puffed but chances were few and far between and the points were shared.
  • Latics move up to 18th in the Championship table and West Brom move up to 12th place.

Leam Richardson made three changes from the weekend, with Ben Amos, Ryan Nyambe and Josh Magennis coming into the starting XI for Jamie Jones, Tendayi Darikwa, and Callum Lang.

Latics made an impressive start and took the lead on six minutes when Magennis muscled his way past Ajayi.

Jack Whatmough lifted a long ball over the Baggies defence and Magennis showed strength and determination before powering the ball past David Button.

Soon afterwards Max Power tried his luck from just inside the West Brom half, but Button was relieved to save.

The Baggies threatened on 14 minutes when John Swift was picked out by Jed Wallace but the former Reading midfielder fired well wide of the target.

On 21 minutes the visitors drew level following a mistake by Naylor.

The former Portsmouth midfielder played the ball backwards and into the path of Grant who advanced towards goal before driving low into the bottom left corner.

The hosts then went close in the 31st minute through Jason Kerr, but the defender’s header just cleared the angle of post and crossbar.

The visitors thought they had scored just before half-time but the linesman flagged Grady Diangana’s finish offside.

Latics would’ve been ahead at the interval if it wasn’t for Naylor’s out of character mistake.

Early in the second half, the visitors threatened when substitute Darnell Furlong’s cross to the far post found Conor Townsend, but the defender’s effort flew wide of the post.

Latics had an opportunity to restore their lead in the 61st minute through James McClean. Graeme Shinnie won the ball in midfield before finding Naylor on the right whose cross found McClean at the far post but the winger’s header was narrowly wide of the target.

The next Latics chance came in the 87th minute when substitute Nathan Broadhead did extremely well to create the opportunity.

Broadhead attacked the Baggies defence evading several defenders before providing an excellent low cross into the six-yard box but despite substitute Charlie Wyke’s best efforts he couldn’t quite make the vital contact to win the game.

On another day Latics might’ve taken all three points but it was a creditable performance against experienced Championship opposition.

Improved display

This was a much improved performance after Saturday’s heavy defeat to Burnley.

From the kick off Latics were fiercely competitive and they had taken an early lead when Magennis impressively held off Ajayi to power home.

They were determined throughout and might’ve won the game if it was not for one mistake.

Latics had responded positively to last Saturday’s setback with a well earned point against a side who are expected to be near the top of the table at the end of the season.

Transfer window

Attention now turns to Thursday’s transfer deadline. Latics need to strengthen their depleted squad, pre-season departures and injuries to Jordan Cousins, Gwion Edwards and now captain Tendayi Darikwa, mean that more players will be needed as they look to consolidate in the Championship.

Post match comments

Speaking afterwards Richardson said,

“It was probably a fair result, I thought our lads took to the challenge really well and fair credit to them, they deserved their result.

To go in front (was pleasing), and then we had to contain certain areas, and mix and match a little bit from Saturday.

Both goalkeepers didn’t have much to do on the evening. People will talk about the manner of their goal, but it’s genuinely not a problem when lads make honest mistakes. Tom Naylor has been fantastic for us, and I’ll always live with genuine mistakes.

We know our challenges this year. Only 12 months ago, we came out of administration and had three players. 12 months later, we are now out of League One, meeting the likes of West Brom toe-to-toe, with international footballers within the team.

It’s our challenge and as a Football Club, we will relish it. We will educate ourselves, and football gives you a chance to bounce back from anything within 72 hours.”

Player ratings

Player ratings courtesy of Whoscored.com

 

Posted in Josh Magennis, Karlan Grant, Leam Richardson, West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment