Latics outgunned by playoff hopefuls – Wigan Athletic 1 Preston North End 2

Posted on February 8, 2020 by ianhaspinall
Chey Dunkley Chey Dunkley

Latics’ recent run of good form came to an end against playoff hopefuls Preston with a 2-1 defeat at the DW Stadium.

The visitors started brightly and were ahead after only seven minutes when Tom Barkhuizen converted Daniel Johnson’s cross.

Preston could’ve gone further in front as Sean Maguire forced a superb fingertip save from David Marshall and Scott Sinclair fired wide from a good position.

But soon after the interval the visitors doubled their lead when Barkhuizen’s cut back was turned home by Johnson.

Latics rallied when substitute Joe Gelhardt was introduced and the young England star was instrumental in Latics’ goal crossing for Chey Dunkley to force the ball home at close range.

The hosts pressed hard for the equaliser but they just didn’t have enough fire power to unlock a resolute Preston defence.

Latics remain in the bottom three and four points from safety while PNE move up to sixth in the Championship table.

Paul Cook made one change from the win against Leeds United with Jamal Lowe replacing Gavin Massey. Surprisingly Tom Pearce continued at left back and AC Milan transfer target Antonee Robinson wasn’t even on the bench. 

Latics had an early chance when Jamal Lowe got in behind the Preston defence but his effort was tipped around the post by Declan Rudd.

PNE came forward strongly and were ahead on seven minutes as Johnson crossed for Barkhuizen to finish at the back post.

The visitors could’ve doubled their lead on 14 minutes but Marshall produced a superb fingertip save from Sean Maguire’s header. Sinclair then had a glorious chance but he fired wide of the target much to Latics’ relief.

Latics tried to gain a foothold in the game and a succession of deliveries into the box presented opportunities for Dunkley and Kieffer Moore, but neither attempt troubled Rudd.

Dunkley then headed a Lee Evans cross narrowly over the bar on 21 minutes.

Moore had another chance but this time his goalbound strike deflected wide.

Latics final opportunity to level in the first half came with Joe Williams in a good position but his tame effort was easily saved by Rudd.

Latics began the second half disastrously as Lowe easily conceded possession high up the pitch and they were punished as Barkhuizen squared the ball for Johnson to convert.

An uphill struggle for Latics now, so Cook made a double change introducing Joe Gelhardt and Michael Jacobs.

Gelhardt immediately made an impact as his cross was smashed home by Dunkley at close range.

Cook’s reluctance to start Gelhardt continues to frustrate Latics’ fans as the 17 year-old striker continues to impress when he’s on the pitch and is their most dangerous attacker.

In fact it was Gelhardt who almost got a leveller when his 35-yard strike was well saved by Rudd low down at his near post.

But despite their late dominance and six minutes of added time Latics were unable to get an equaliser against a Preston team who look like a good bet for the playoffs.

Cook should rue his decision to go with three centre backs at home and to leave their most consistent player Robinson out of the team. Lowe had another frustrating game and it is remarkable that the manager continues to select him. Gelhardt’s absence from the starting eleven also continues to be a mystery.

Surely the manager will make the necessary changes for the Middlesbrough game on Tuesday night, reverting to a back four and selecting both Robinson and Gelhardt.

 

Posted in Championship, Chey Dunkley, Daniel Johnson, Joe Gelhardt, Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lightning strikes twice as Latics topple Leeds again – Leeds United 0 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on February 2, 2020 by ianhaspinall
Joe Williams

Joe Williams

For the second season running Latics stunned Leeds United at Elland Road in the process knocking them off the top of the table.

Latics went ahead on 59 minutes when Joe Williams corner deflected off Pablo Hernandez and looped over Kiko Casilla and into the net.

The Championship leaders dominated possession and created plenty of chances but a combination of some excellent defending and poor finishing gave Latics a vital three points in their quest for survival.

Latics remain in 22nd spot but are now just two points from safety and Leeds drop to second place in the table.

Paul Cook made four changes to the starting line up with full back Tom Pearce making his debut in the league and Chey Dunkley coming into a five man backline.

Williams replaced the injured Kieran Dowell and Gavin Massey replaced Jamal Lowe.

Leeds opened strongly and David Marshall had to deny Helder Costa’s shot after five minutes.

Latics were on the back foot and Patrick Bamford struck an effort over the bar before Jack Harrison’s low shot struck the foot of the post.

Latics weathered the early storm and gradually grew into the game.

Captain Samy Morsy nearly gave the visitors the lead when his powerful shot from distance was parried away by Casilla.

Leeds were still creating chances and Harrison had the best chance when he went around Marshall but struck the ball into the side netting.

The former Leeds defender Pearce was getting forward to good effect and when he beat Costa to the byline he was brought down just outside of the area. Williams disappointingly fired the resulting free kick into the side netting.

All level at the interval but the hosts started the second half as they had done in the first. 

Cedric Kipre continued to be outstanding in the air as Leeds bombarded the Latics defence with crosses from the wings.

Leeds attacked in waves and forced a succession of corners but Latics held firm.

The visitors determination to was to prove crucial when they went ahead in the 59th minute.

Williams’ corner deflected off Hernandez and looped over Leeds Casilla and into the net. A little lucky perhaps but no more than they deserved for their efforts.

It could have been 2-0 soon afterwards but Morsy was again denied from distance by another Casilla save.

Bielsa’s men drove forward again but Kal Naismith was on hand to deny Bamford with a vital goal line clearance.

Latics then had a glorious opportunity to double their lead. Pearce burst forward from his own half and was through on goal but was denied by a last-ditch challenge just inside the box.

Latics would have to endure a late onslaught as Leeds desperately tried to rescue the game.

Kipre was resolute and the big 23-year-old Ivorian defender won every important challenge in the box.

With Marshall beaten the former Motherwell man provided the final crucial intervention clearing off the line to ensure another remarkable result at Elland Road.

Leeds will inevitably be wondering if their season will once again end in disappointment with Latics as the catalyst for decline.

Huge celebrations at the end as Latics recorded back to back wins for the first time this season. The result will be a big confidence booster for the rest of the season.

The Championship table is looking much better for Latics who are now only two points behind 21st placed Stoke City and three points behind 20th placed Huddersfield.

Latics next face a difficult test against local rivals Preston but the fighting spirit is evident amongst the players and the prospect of survival is a real one.

Posted in Cedric Kipre, Championship, Joe Williams, Leeds United, Pedro Hernandez, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lowe’s late winner lifts Latics’ spirits – Wigan Athletic 2 Sheffield Wednesday 1

Posted on January 29, 2020 by ianhaspinall
Jamal Lowe Jamal Lowe. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic

A rare goal by Jamal Lowe gave Latics a desperately needed victory against Sheffield Wednesday at the DW Stadium.

The visitors had gone ahead in the first half when Jacob Murphy headed home Morgan Fox’s pinpoint cross.

Kieffer Moore equalised early in the second half after a defence splitting pass from the excellent Samy Morsy.

But despite Latics’ dominance the match looked to be heading towards a draw until Lowe’s stunning winner in stoppage time.

Lowe produced a deft back header over keeper Cameron Dawson from Joe Garner’s flick-on following Joe Williams cross to lift the home team’s spirits.

Latics move up to third bottom in the Championship table, four points from safety, while Wednesday drop to 11th place.

Paul Cook made two changes to the team defeated against Swansea City with Joe Gelhardt finally getting a start and Moore coming in for Joe Williams and Joe Garner.

It was a hard fought opening period as both teams battled to take control. Latics first real opportunity came when Antonee Robinson was played into the box but fired over from a good position.

At the other end, the Owls had a chance as Murphy went in behind the Latics defence but he fired wide of the target.

Soon afterwards the visitors were ahead as Barry Bannon played a great pass to Fox on the wing and his perfect cross found Murphy on the edge of the six yard box and the Newcastle United loanee headed past David Marshall.

Latics responded and Morsy’s powerful effort from 35-yards was well pushed away by Dawson.

But the visitors were ahead at the interval and Latics would need to up their game in the second half if they were to get anything from the game.

Latics started strongly and were level on 56 minutes, Morsy played a superb through ball to Moore in the Wednesday penalty area and the big striker scored his third goal of the season.

On 66 minutes Latics suffered a big blow when Everton loanee Kieran Dowell was injured and stretchered off.

Despite the setback Latics upped their game with the diminutive Morsy driving the team forward and consistently winning challenges against the 6ft 5in Owls striker Atdhe Nuhiu.

Cedric Kipre had a great chance to put Latics ahead following a corner but he couldn’t get enough power in his shot and Dawson saved easily.

Latics pressure mounted and Jacobs had a chance from a Lowe pull back and Moore headed narrowly wide at the back post from a Lee Evans cross.

Wednesday couldn’t get out of their half as Latics went in search of the winner.

Lowe crossed again for Moore but the big Wales international couldn’t quite make it count at the back post.

Just when it looked like Latics would be thwarted in their attempts Lowe got the vital winner.

Substitute Williams launched a deep ball to fellow substitute Garner who headed onwards to Lowe who deftly guided the ball over Dawson with a back header.

It was no more than Latics deserved for their second half performance and it was a crucial result as fellow strugglers Luton and Huddersfield both won on the night.

Whether Latics have turned a corner remains to be seen. The gap between Latics and fourth bottom Charlton is now four points but they have difficult fixtures against Leeds (A) and Preston (H) upcoming.

Posted in Championship, Jacob Murphy, Jamal Lowe, Kieffer Moore, Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sleepwalking towards relegation – Swansea City 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on January 20, 2020 by ianhaspinall

Nathan Byrne

Nathan Byrne. Photo courtesy of Wigan Athletic

Latics slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Swansea City and slipped deeper into relegation trouble.

Paul Cook’s team have won only once in the last 17 games and the club seems to be sleepwalking towards League One after another toothless display.

Nathan Byrne had given Latics an early lead at the Liberty Stadium but goals from Liverpool loanee Rhian Brewster and Andre Ayew had ensured that the Swans got a deserved victory.

Latics remain second bottom in the Championship table, two points from safety, while Swansea move up to fifth.

Latics made one change from the team beaten by Bristol City with Joe Garner replacing Josh Windass. Kieffer Moore returned to the bench, but Joe Gelhardt was absent due to illness.

The hosts started the stronger but Latics had an early opportunity when Kieran Dowell crossed for Joe Williams, but the midfielder headed over the crossbar.

On 17 minutes Latics were ahead from a counter attack with Antonee Robinson combining well with Dowell, who pulled the ball back for Byrne, who slotted home past Woodman.

But the Swans were level almost immediately as Kal Naismith gave the ball away in defence and Conor Gallagher set up Brewster who finished past David Marshall.

Ten minutes later the Swans had a chance to go ahead when Connor Roberts squared for Gallagher, but the midfielder fired over the crossbar.

Early in the second half Dowell provided an opportunity for Robinson but the full back’s effort was cleared by Ben Wilmot.

Robinson then provided an inviting cross for Garner to restore Latics’ lead but the striker wasted the opportunity heading just over.

Just before half-time, the Swans nearly went in front as Bersant Celina escaped Byrne on the left and beat Marshall but Naismith was luckily on hand to clear the ball from going over the line.

Then in first half stoppage time the hosts missed another great opportunity as Ayew headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

In the second-half Latics continued to be on the back foot as the Swans threatened.

Brewster saw an effort blocked by Kipre before Kyle Naughton had an effort deflected just wide.

With just over 20 minutes remaining Swansea deservedly went ahead as Celina crossed for Ayew to convert at the near post.

Dowell was once again Latics’ most creative player and he created a chance for substitute Moore but the striker headed back across goal and the ball was cleared.

Celina then had a great chance to seal victory for the Swans but he dragged his effort wide.

In stoppage time Latics had a great chance to steal a point as Moore broke clear for a one on one with Woodman but the Wales striker’s tame effort was easily saved by the Swans keeper.

Latics dreadful run of form continues and the prospect of relegation gets ever nearer.

The Latics board should have made a change in manager prior to Christmas to address the decline but their reluctance to sack Cook has only led to further defeats.

As it now seems that Cook will be in charge for the foreseeable future, we can only hope for a radical rethink from the manager if Latics are to escape the drop.

The manager must review his current tactics, team selections and produce a strategy for survival plus the board must act ambitiously in the transfer window.

An experienced striker is a clear priority as well as additional defensive cover.

It is still possible for Latics to escape relegation but it can only come from a radical change in approach from Cook and some key additions to the team.

Posted in Andre Ayew, Championship, Nathan Byrne, Paul Cook, Rhian Brewster, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Review: What You Think You Know About Football is Wrong – The Game’s Greatest Myths and Untruths by Kevin Moore

Posted on January 18, 2020 by ianhaspinall

What You Think You Know About Footballi is Wrong

The former director of the National Football Museum Kevin Moore has produced a challenging and revelatory new book which debunks many of the myths and assumptions about football.

In 50 short chapters Moore shatters many of the strongly held beliefs of football fans. His entertaining commentary is generally supported with hard facts and statistics although occasionally he does stray onto more subjective ground.

Usually he gets it right. It is surprising to know that the ball did cross the line in the 1966 World Cup final but that England did not win the World Cup fairly. Cambridge and not Sheffield is home to the world’s oldest football club. The Germans do not always win on penalties and it’s not a game of two halves.

He zips through the long list of revelations and we have to reassess many of our own assumptions. Occasionally his assertions are more contestable, for example, when he states that Premier League players are not overpaid.

“So what’s behind the view that footballers are overpaid? It is simply prejudice against the kinds of people who become Premier League players, who tend to be working class and not well educated.”

I would argue that this is not necessarily so, and the bigger issue for many people is their disproportionate salary compared to average people in society.

It is not that footballers shouldn’t be able to earn a good salary but that the sums earned are now at ridiculous levels. Premier League players’ astronomical earnings cannot be morally justified when some people are earning so little and we have such high levels of poverty.

When Moore sticks to the less subjective we learn plenty of new facts, such as: FIFA does not make the rules and never has; there is overwhelming evidence that referee’s decisions are biased towards the home team; and it is not artistry that made the Brazilians the best but science.

Concerning the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Moore debunks the myth that it will be too hot to play football. The stadiums will be air-conditioned and temperatures should not exceed 28 degrees C or 82 degrees F.

Previous World Cups have been held in much higher temperatures. So although there may be may be many other good reasons for not holding the World Cup in Qatar (human rights, slavery of migrants, illegality of homosexuality etc.) temperature is not one of them.

Probably the most telling statistic in the book is that most football managers make no difference at all and the simple fact is that modern football is all about money.

“The richer the club, the more it has to spend on buying the best players and paying top wages to attract these players. Statistically, the more the club spends on wages, the more successful it will be. The correlation between wages and league position in the Premier League and Championship is as high as 87% in one study, 92% in another, leading to the conclusion that it’s around 90%. It’s a simple as that. That leaves the manager’s role as able to explain only up to a 10% difference – better or worse – to this.”

Food for thought and that’s what’s so good about this book as it challenges many of those long held and preconceived beliefs about football. It would be a worthwhile addition to any football fan’s library.

What You Think You Know About Football is Wrong – The Game’s Greatest Myths and Untruths by Kevin Moore, published by Bloomsbury, Price £12.99.

This review first appeared in the February/March edition of Late Tackle magazine.

Posted in Book Reviews, Championship, Kevin Moore, Late Tackle magazine, Premier League, Wigan Athletic, World Cup | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Same old, same old Latics – Wigan Athletic 0 Bristol City 2

Posted on January 12, 2020 by ianhaspinall

Kieffer Moore

Kieffer Moore could be leaving for Cardiff City

Latics dominated Bristol City for most of this game but once again failed to be clinical in the final third and slipped further into relegation trouble as the visitors struck with two late counter-attacks.

The hosts dominated possession and played plenty of good football up to the final third but their lack of a goalscorer proved to be their downfall.

With the match finely balanced at 0-0 Latics went in search of the breakthrough but it was the visitors who broke quickly and Jamie Paterson produced a neat finish through David Marshall’s legs. Soon afterwards Paterson turned provider lifting the ball into the path of Famara Diedhiou who decisively found the corner of the net.

Latics drop a place to second bottom in the Championship table while Bristol City move up to ninth.

Paul Cook made two changes from the team which won away at Birmingham City with David Marshall and Kieran Dowell coming in for Jamie Jones and Michael Jacobs. A fit again Kieffer Moore was surprisingly not named in the match day squad and young striker Joe Gelhardt once again took up his place on the bench.

Latics started strongly and quickly took control of possession but found it difficult to penetrate in the final third.

Chances were few and far between but Joe Williams had a goalbound effort well blocked and Josh Windass had a deflected shot saved by Dan Bentley.

Diedhiou headed over from six yards out and he also had a goal disallowed for offside as the visitors threatened on the break.

Early in the second-half Dowell, who made a very promising home debut, forced a good save from Bentley.

Soon afterwards, Dowell crossed for Nathan Byrne but the full back headed wide of the target.

Windass then saw an effort saved by Bentley before Diedhiou volleyed towards the top corner and Marshall produced a spectacular save tipping the ball over the crossbar.

Cook made a double substitution on 68 minutes with Gelhardt and Joe Garner replacing Windass and Joe Williams.

Dowell was proving to be the creative force that Latics have been lacking and he created another chance on 72 minutes when he crossed for Garner but the striker’s header was well saved low down by Bentley.

Gelhardt was quickly in the thick of the action and causing problems for the City backline. He fired an excellent strike just inches over the crossbar on 76 minutes.

But in pressing for the breakthrough Latics left themselves exposed on the break and City executed a slick counter attack.

Paterson broke through from midfield and finished confidently past Marshall on 77 minutes.

As per usual when Latics go behind the players heads go down, and two minutes later the visitors doubled their lead when Paterson lobbed the ball in to the path of Diedhiou who finished into the corner of the net.

Latics had a quick opportunity to get a goal back as Garner headed into the path of Jamal Lowe, but the winger just couldn’t finish under pressure from Ashley Williams.

Lowe had another opportunity later on when he headed tamely at Bentley. The close season signing from Portsmouth had once again failed to impress and it is surely time for him to be rested.

It was another frustrating afternoon for Latics who had played well up to the final third but lack a cutting edge where it matters.

Latics are the lowest scorers in the Championship and it is obvious where they must improve but the manager has consistently failed to address the problem.

Cook’s decision not to include striker Moore in the team was surprising and the manager’s refusal to start Gelhardt continues to be baffling.

Cardiff City have reportedly had a transfer bid for Moore turned down and this may partly explain his exclusion. But surely if Cook wants to keep Moore, as he says, he should use him in the team.

It therefore seems likely that the manager is prepared to sell Moore for the right fee and he will leave before the end of the transfer window. If that is the case Latics must quickly find a replacement striker as well integrating Gelhardt into the team.

Posted in Bristol City, Championship, Famara Diedhiou, Jamie Paterson, Joe Gelhardt, Kieffer Moore, Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

FA Cup exit but signs of promise – Leicester City 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on January 5, 2020 by ianhaspinall
Kieran Dowell made a promising debut

Latics produced a commendable performance against Premier League Leicester City at the King Power Stadium but slipped out of the FA Cup 2-0 at the Third Round stage.

The visitors started well but young full back Tom Pearce making his debut put into his own net after 19 minutes and after that it was always going to be an uphill struggle.

Harvey Barnes added a second via a deflection off Chey Dunkley just before the interval but Latics were not overrun in the second half and were unlucky not to pull a goal back when Jamal Lowe’s neat finish was ruled out for a marginal offside by VAR.

This was Latics’ first experience of the Video Assistant Referee and it is not something they will be looking forward to, if it continues in its current format.

The Foxes made 10 changes to the their starting line up from their previous game but Paul Cook also made six changes with new loan signing Kieran Dowell coming straight into the team for his debut. Left back Pearce also made his debut, whilst David Marshall, Dujon Sterling, Chey Dunkley and Gavin Massey also came in. Teenage striker Joe Gelhardt was once again left on the bench by the manager.

Latics were not overawed by second placed Foxes who have a League Cup semi final in midweek but the pace and creativity of the hosts was quickly on display as Dunkley made a good block from Marc Albrighton.

Marshall then denied Demarai Gray from 20 yards with a good save but on 19 minutes the Foxes were ahead as Albrighton crossed and Pearce got his feet in a tangle and put the ball into his own net. It was a very unfortunate moment for the young Ormskirk born defender on his Latics debut.

Despite the setback Latics remained competitive and they had a chance to open the scoring on 40 minutes as Massey’s cross found Dowell and the loanee’s effort was blocked by James Justin.

But the Foxes counter attacked quickly and Chilwell played in Barnes, who finished via a deflection off Dunkley.

Josh Windass continues to frustrate for Latics, often getting into good positions but failing to be clinical in front of goal.

On this occasion he got on the end of a Pearce cross but he couldn’t make it count.

In the second-half, Latics continued to probe but Leicester always looked dangerous on the counter attack and Dennis Praet headed wide from an Albrighton cross.

Latics looked to have pulled one back with 10 minutes remaining of normal time but although Lowe produced an excellent finish from a Pearce delivery VAR ruled the goal out for the most fractional offside.  Surely something will have to be done to amend the offside rule if VAR becomes the norm. At the current time VAR is killing the spirit of the game.

Marshall denied Gray and Barnes in the final minutes but Latics had put in a good performance against a team who have strength in depth and are likely to be in the Champions League next season.

Latics have produced some improved performances in recent weeks, with the addition of Dowell and if Gelhardt is given his chance, the prospects of Latics pulling away from the Championship relegation zone are looking much better.

Posted in FA Cup, Harvey Barnes, Kieran Dowell, Tom Pearce, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A win at last – Birmingham City 2 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on January 2, 2020 by ianhaspinall
Cedric Kipre Cedric Kipre bundled home Latics’ third goal

Wigan Athletic ended a 15 game winless run and won their first away game since April last year when they defeated Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s.

Latics went ahead when a move involving Anthony Robinson and Joe Williams resulted in an easy tap in for Josh Windass. But the Blues equalised before half time when Kerim Mrabti fired home from an acute angle.

In the 50th-minute Windass’ cross was turned into his own net by Gary Gardner to restore the visitors lead before Cedric Kipre extended the advantage on 73 minutes when he bundled home a corner.

Latics never make it easy though and Jacques Maghoma pulled a goal back to make it a nervous final 10 minutes but despite some late scares they held on for a rare away victory.

Latics move up to third from the bottom of the Championship table while the Blues are in 18th spot just six points above the drop.

Paul Cook made one change from the defeat against Nottingham Forest with Michael Jacobs replacing Gavin Massey.

The visitors had an early scare when Lukas Jutkiewicz headed wide from a corner.

But they were ahead on nine minutes when Robinson battled to win the ball on the edge of the area and Williams crossed for Windass to tap in at the back post.

Latics should’ve gone further ahead when Kal Naismith found Nathan Byrne free in the box but the full back blazed over the crossbar at the back post.

At the other end Jeremie Bela had a shot spilled by Jones but fortunately for Latics the Blues couldn’t capitalise.

But the hosts did draw level just before the break as Mrabti produced an excellent finish from a tight angle.

Early in the second half Lee Evans found  Windass who rounded the keeper before firing in a cross from a tight angle which Gardner diverted into his own net.

Birmingham should have equalised soon afterwards but former Latic Josh McEachran fired wide of the target from the edge of the box.

But it was Latics who increased their lead when Windass’ corner was headed on by Evans and Kipre bundled the ball home at the back post.

Latics should’ve been comfortable now but their usual difficulty in seeing out a game reappeared.

It was to be a nervy last 15 minutes as the Blues substitute Maghoma scored as Latics failed to clear in the penalty area.

Jamie Jones then produced an outstanding save to deny Raul Giminez an equaliser at his near post.

Latics somehow survived the late scares and they hung on for their first away three points since the win at Leeds United on 19 April 2019.

Incredibly Latics’ last three away victories have come in three different years 2018, 2019 and now 2020.

The 511 supporters who travelled to St Andrew’s deserve great credit and this result should be dedicated to every one of them.

But Latics are still in trouble and this victory shouldn’t be allowed to mask the manager’s and team’s failings.

With the score at 2-1 to Latics Cook brought on the 35-year-old Gary Roberts for Michael Jacobs, when the obvious replacement would’ve been Joe Gelhardt who had been so outstanding as a substitute against Nottingham Forest.

Cook continues to defy all logic by denying the talented Gelhardt a starting place in the team.

Latics continue to struggle at set-pieces and with their game management, despite having 3-1 lead they could easily have drawn or even lost this game as Birmingham wasted some very good opportunities in the last 15 minutes.

Windass managed to get on the scoresheet against Birmingham but the forwards are not scoring enough and the team do not have a regular goalscorer in the team.

Posted in Cedric Kipre, Championship, Gary Gardner, Jacques Maghoma, Josh Windass, Kerim Mrabti, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Deja vu as Latics’ dominance comes to nothing – Nottingham Forest 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on December 29, 2019 by ianhaspinall
Paul Cook

Wigan Athletic produced a dominant performance away at Nottingham Forest but once again went down to a set-piece sucker punch and remain bottom of the Championship table.

The visitors dominated possession and created numerous chances before Forest went ahead when Tobias Figueiredo was allowed to head home unchallenged from a corner in the 60th minute.

Latics were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute when substitute Joe Gelhardt was brought down in the box by Alfa Semedo but Josh Windass’ tame penalty was easily saved by Brice Samba. Soon afterwards the visitors had another penalty appeal turned down when former Latic Ben Watson handled Samy Morsy’s effort in the area.

Latics had the opportunities to equalise but their inability to be clinical in the final third enabled Forest to take a fortunate three points.

Forest move up to fifth while Latics remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.

Paul Cook made two changes from the team which had drawn 1-1 with Derby County on Boxing Day with Joe Williams and Gavin Massey replacing Anthony Pilkington and Michael Jacobs.

Latics started strongly, enjoying plenty of possession and producing some neat passing sequences. Forest struggled to gain a foothold despite home advantage.

The visitors first chance came on 19 minutes when Antonee Robinson got forward down the left hand side and crossed for Jamal Lowe but the striker couldn’t quite make the vital contact with his head.

Latics went close again on 28 minutes when Robinson’s cross found Williams at the near post and the midfielder’s flick crashed against the post and away to safety.

Forest were offering surprisingly little going forward and it was the visitors who were controlling the game.

As Latics continued to control the first half, they had another good opportunity when Williams right footed shot was well saved by Samba low down at his near post.

Forest’s only chance of the first half came when Lewis Grabban headed narrowly wide from a good position.

All square at the interval but Latics were crying out for a finisher to capitalise on their excellent approach play. Surely young striker Gelhardt would get his chance from the bench? But Cook didn’t make any changes at the interval.

Latics had a glorious opportunity go ahead on 58 minutes when Nathan Byrne broke quickly and outstripped the Forest defence before facing a one-on-one with Samba but the full back showed little conviction and fired wide of the target.

Two minutes later Latics were behind as Figueiredo was allowed to rise unchallenged at the near post and angle his header into the far corner of the net.

Gary Roberts replaced Massey on 62 minutes but still no sign of Gelhardt who was the obvious replacement.

When Gelhardt did finally emerge as a substitute for Lee Evans on 77 minutes he immediately made an impact.

Gelhardt went straight for the jugular dribbling into the area and was brought down by Semedo.

A fantastic opportunity for Latics to draw level but Windass’ poor spot kick was easily saved by Samba low down to his left.

Despite the massive setback Latics continued to be on top with Gelhardt at the centre of their best moves.

The 17-year-old England international’s tight control enabled him to glide into the box past several defenders before setting up Robinson whose final shot was deflected into the side netting.

A few minutes later the ball fell to Morsy on the edge of the area and the midfielder’s goal bound effort was handled by the onrushing Watson. Latics’ players surrounded referee Matt Donohue but the official harshly decided against a second penalty.

Gelhardt continued to threaten but time ran out for Latics and the youngster as they suffered yet another desperately disappointing away defeat.

Latics’ failings are for all to see but manager Cook has consistently failed to address the problems.

The manager’s reluctance to start Gelhardt is now beyond comprehension. The Young England international not only creates chances but he is a prolific finisher and it is obvious to everyone, apart from Cook, that he should play.

Latics defensive organisation has generally improved with Cedric Kipre and Kal Naismith at the centre of defence but the team have consistently conceded from set-pieces and this should have been addressed by the manager.

Windass shouldn’t take penalties. The former Rangers striker has been unable to find his scoring boots while at Latics and his pitiful spot kicks have twice proved very costly for the team. As at Millwall last season Windass was guilty of a desperately poor penalty kick when it mattered so much. He should be taken off penalty duty from now on.

Latics remain rock bottom of the Championship table, they have not won away since April and have now gone 13 games without a victory, few managers would still be in a job with such a terrible record.

Posted in Championship, Josh Windass, Nottingham Forest, Paul Cook, Tobias Figueiredo, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wasteful Latics suffer another late sickener – Wigan Athletic 1 Derby County 1

Posted on December 27, 2019 by ianhaspinall

Joe Garner

Joe Garner

Wigan Athletic once again succumbed to the obligatory late goal and have now failed to win in their last 12 matches.

Latics had dominated proceedings against an out-of-form Derby County and had deservedly taken an 81st minute lead through substitute Joe Garner. But with 93 minutes on the clock Latics failed to clear from a throw in and Martyn Waghorn fired home the equaliser to sour the home fans’ day.

This was Latics fourth draw in four games and they have now dropped to the bottom of the table on goals scored after Stoke beat Sheffield Wednesday, Derby remain 17th just six points above the relegation zone.

Paul Cook made one change to his starting eleven from the draw with Blackburn with Anthony Pilkington replacing Gavin Massey.

Latics started on the front foot and were able to create several good goal scoring opportunities against the lacklustre visitors.

Nathan Byrne forced a good save from Ben Hamer before Antonee Robinson hit the near post with Hamer well beaten.

Josh Windass then had a glorious opportunity after an excellent set-piece routine but the striker fired straight at the Derby keeper from close range.

In a rare sortie forward Curtis Davies had a great opportunity for the Rams but he directed his header into the ground and Jamie Jones was able to save comfortably.

Windass was finding plenty of space behind the Derby defence but his final shot was disappointingly well wide of the target.

All square at the break but Latics had had he better chances to be ahead.

Latics were again on top in the second half and Windass frustrated the home fans with a poor pass across the penalty area with Pilkington in prime position to turn the ball home.

Michael Jacobs then forced another good save from Hamer with the hosts looking the most likely to break the deadlock.

On 64 minutes Cook replaced the ineffective Windass and Pilkington with Garner and Joe Williams and Latics moved up another gear.

With Williams pulling the strings in midfield the hosts pushed Derby further back and after a sustained attacking spell Garner was able to acrobatically volley home from close range.

It looked as though it would be enough to take all three points but Latics’ Achilles heel is their inability to see out the game and they conceded their obligatory late goal when former Latic Martyn Waghorn fired home despite the best efforts of Cedric Kipre on the goal line.

It was a disappointing ending to what had been a pleasing performance.

Poor game management, failure to defend set-pieces and strange substitutions are all factors in the late goals conceded.

However, Latics have shown noticeable improvement over the last four games by returning to an attractive passing game.

The long ball has been eschewed and building through the thirds has been a pleasure to see.

The combination of Kipre and Kal Naismith has enabled the team to play out from the back and to build through midfield.

Full backs Robinson and Byrne have been able to get forward to create crossing opportunities and Latics have created plenty of chances although problems arise in the final third were the forwards have been profligate.

Latics do not currently have a goalscorer in the team. Windass, Lowe, Jacobs were all wasteful against Derby and have consistently failed to make their chances count this season.

Cook’s reluctance to give prolific young striker Joe Gelhardt his opportunity seems increasingly ridiculous when the team are struggling for goals.

It appears that Cook will remain as manager in the January transfer window which could be so crucial to their chances of survival.

A proven goalscorer at this level is now essential if Latics are to convert the chances they are creating.

Posted in Championship, Derby County, Joe Garner, Martyn Waghorn, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments