Frustrating day at the DW – Wigan Athletic 0 Oldham Athletic 0

Posted on February 14, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Jussi Jaaskelainen

Jussi Jaaskailenan produced a man of the match display

It was a frustrating afternoon at the DW Stadium as Wigan were held to a goalless draw by League One strugglers Oldham Athletic.

Promotion chasing Wigan produced a flat performance, with maybe one eye on next week’s big game at Walsall.

It was second bottom Oldham who went closest during the opening period when Carl Winchester’s 30 yard strike was superbly saved by Jussi Jaaskailenan.

Wigan were better in the second half and went close through Yanic Wildschut, Will Grigg and Conor McAleny. But Oldham worked hard throughout and deserved to take a share in the points.

Wigan started brightly and Will Grigg nearly scored an opportunistic goal in the opening minutes as Oldham’s John Coleman spilled a shot, but the keeper recovered just in time.

McAleny then fired just wide of  Coleman’s right hand post after good work by Wildschut.

On 19 minutes Wigan won a free kick on the edge of the area. McAleny chipped the ball over the wall but unfortunately into the side netting.

The visitors produced a stunning counter attack on 25 minutes when Carl Winchester’s 30 yard effort flew towards the top corner of Wigan’s goal, but Jussi Jaaskelainen superbly tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Just before the interval Oldham tested Jaaskelainen first from a Fonte volley, and then from distance by Winchester.

Wigan dominated possession for long periods of the second half, but they struggled to break down a well drilled and resilient away team.

The home team did create several good chances however.

First Wildschut broke clear on the left hand side and fired an effort at Coleman. Top scorer Will Grigg drew a fine save from the Oldham keeper and McAleny was unable to capitalise on more good work by Wildschut.

But Oldham always looked dangerous on the break.

With 13 minutes remaining Matt Palmer’s effort from range went narrowly wide of the post, and soon afterwards Danny Lafferty forced another good save from Jaaskelainen.

Wigan continued to dominate possession and to press for the winner, but Oldham defended admirably and deserved their share of the spoils.

Posted in Jussi Jaaskelainen, League One, Oldham Athletic, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Smells like team spirit

Posted on February 12, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Jussi Jaaskelainen

Keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has added stability to the defence

Latics are now hitting their best form as we approach the final third of the season. The performance at Sheffield United was their best so far as they dominated one of the play-off contenders, deserving the three points and moving up to third in the table.

Gary Caldwell got his tactics spot on as he changed to a flat back four with Chris McCann and Donervon Daniels occupying the full back slots.

Caldwell surprisingly made changes to a winning team by giving new signing Sam Morsy his full debut in front of the back four, while Conor McAleny went straight into the team after his loan signing from Everton, and it all worked a treat.

Latics controlled the game from the kick off, bossing possession in the first half and then upping the tempo in the second half to score two quick fire goals and thoroughly subdue the home team.

Caldwell’s team is getting better week-by-week and they showed great determination and professionalism at Bramall Lane.

They now have quality all over the pitch, and importantly they have a striker in Will Grigg who can score 20 plus goals in a season. Grigg has bagged 13 goals in all competitions and scored six in his last four games.

Latics also have plenty of other attacking options with Yanic Wildschut, Michael Jacobs, Haris Vuckic and new signings Conor McAleny and Ryan Colclough all providing a significant goal threat.

The defence is looking more solid with two recent clean sheets against Port Vale and Sheffield United and they are getting stronger as a unit.

Keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has added much needed composure to the defence and it is no coincidence that the team’s rise commenced when the former Finnish international took over in goal.

The team spirit is high and the squad has been strengthened during the transfer window. Competition for places is now at its greatest since the Premier League days.

The flexibility of Caldwell’s formation is also proving an added bonus as Latics outwit as well as outplay their opponents. The manager has continued to adapt Roberto Martinez’s 3-4-3 formation.

Given different types of opponents or a change in personnel the system can adapt to 3-4-2-1. The formation can be a base 3-4-2-1 but looks like a 3-4-3 and at times like a 4-4-1-1. Few teams in League One are able to cope with such improvisation and flexibility of formation.

Caldwell and his team are on the verge of success. They are playing with confidence; the momentum is with them. An automatic promotion place is within their reach but they must be wary of any complacency and not take anything for granted, starting against Oldham Athletic tomorrow.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 12th February 2016.

Posted in Gary Caldwell, Jussi Jaaskelainen, League One, Oldham Athletic, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics on the rise – Sheffield United 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on February 6, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Connor McAleny

Everton loanee Conor McAleny scored on his debut for Latics

Wigan Athletic showed their promotion credentials with an emphatic 2-0 victory over play-off hopefuls Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Will Grigg gave Latics the lead on 52 minutes from the penalty spot after Yanic Wildschut was brought down in the box by Chris Basham.

Everton loanee Conor McAleny then lashed in the second from the edge of the area on 55 minutes, before Grigg had a second penalty saved with 15 minutes remaining after Chris McCann was fouled by by Paul Coutts.

Latics continue their rise up the table, moving into third place and now only one point off an automatic promotion place.

Wigan made two changes going into the match with loanee Conor McAleny making his debut and Sam Morsy making his first full start for the club.

Latics looked confident right from the kick off, passing the ball with ease and dominating possession for most of the first half.

The Blades rarely threatened and when they did the Latics defence coped comfortably with captain Craig Morgan marshalling the defence superbly.

However, despite controlling proceedings Latics were unable to carve out any clear cut openings in the opening period as United defended in depth.

The second half opened with United creating the first clear opportunity when Billy Sharp forced an excellent save from Jussi Jaaskelainen low down to his right.

Latics went down the other end and the lively McAleny forced a good save from George Long.

On 49 minutes Latics went ahead. Yanic Wildschut drove powerfully into the United box and was brought down by Chris Basham. Will Grigg stepped up and converted the penalty, high into the middle of the goal.

Three minutes later Latics doubled their lead. Wildschut cut in from the left before passing to Max Power, who teed up the ball for McAleny and the young loanee lashed the ball into the bottom corner of Long’s net from 20 yards out.

Latics continued to drive forward. Daniels cross was cleared by Adams for a corner. Then McAleny evaded two challenges before putting in a dangerous cross, but no Wigan player was on hand to finish.

United had an opportunity in the 65th minute but Jay McEveley fired wide of the target from a good position.

With 15 minutes remaining Latics won a second penalty, Paul Coutts unnecessarily bringing down McCann in the box.

Grigg once again stepped up, but this time he sent his spot kick low down to the Long’s left and the keeper made a good save.

As the match moved towards full time Latics survived a couple of late goalmouth scrambles but overall they were good value for the win.

Gary Caldwell had got his tactics spot on as Latics took control of the game in the first half and then upped the tempo in the second half to deservedly take the three points

Wigan’s squad has been strengthened during the transfer window, they are playing with confidence, the momentum is with them and an automatic promotion place is now within their reach.

Posted in Connor McAleny, League One, Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Getting one over Steady Nigel

Posted on February 5, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Nigel Adkins

Former Latics’ keeper and current Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins

Expectations are high after Latics produced a convincing 3-0 victory against Port Vale last Saturday. They are upping the pressure on the teams above them and will be seeking to maintain their promotion form this week at Sheffield United.

Former Latics’ goalkeeper Nigel Adkins manages the Blades and they should provide stiff opposition at Bramall Lane.

United have dropped to 9th in the table after Tuesday night’s games, but they are only two points off the play-off spots and will be desperate to reduce the gap between themselves and Latics.

The Blades’ manager Nigel Adkins is well known to Latics’ fans. Their former keeper was successful as manager of Scunthorpe United and Southamption.

‘Steady Nigel’ played 155 games for Latics in the 1980’s and early 90’s. At Wigan he was named ‘Steady Nigel’ as the fans behind the goal used to shout it to him when he came for high crosses.

He knows League One very well and managed to get both the Iron and the Saints promoted from League One to the Championship.

At Southampton he took the club from League One to the Premier League and was very unfortunate to lose his job when the club was in a position above the relegation zone.

Adkins went onto manage Reading, but despite finishing seventh in the Championship in his first full season in charge he was sacked in December 2014.

Adkins was a strong candidate for the Wigan manager’s job last season after the dismissal of Malky Mackay, but David Sharpe opted for an internal appointment with Gary Caldwell.

Adkins took over at Sheffield United last June with the brief to get United promoted. They are a big City club with high expectations and have frustrated their fans by spending five seasons in League One and failing in the play-offs on three occasions.

Whereas Latics made seven signings in the transfer window, the Blades failed to add any names to their squad, except for one extended loan deal for Leicester City player Dean Hammond, their fans have expressed their anger and frustration at the lack of transfer activity.

Despite the lack of incomings, the Blades still have a good number of dangerous forwards in their squad, with Billy Sharp (14 goals) Che Adams (6 goals) and former Latic Connor Sammon (6 goals), all likely to pose a threat.

It’s another big game for Latics and they will be hoping to get one over on Adkins especially after his team managed a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down at the DW Stadium in January.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 5th February 2016.

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Closing the gap – Wigan Athletic 3 Port Vale 0

Posted on January 31, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Will Grigg Wigan Athletic

Will Grigg scored a hat-trick in front of his international manager

Northern Ireland international Will Grigg completed a hat-trick against Port Vale as Wigan closed the gap on the automatic promotion places.

Latics went ahead on seven minutes when Yanic Wildchut’s low cross was turned home at close range by Grigg.

Just before half-time Grigg was pulled down in the area and Vale defender Ryan McGivern was dismissed, before the striker got up to convert the spot kick.

With Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neil watching from the stands the striker completed his hat-trick on 69 minutes with a fine finish and enhanced his chances of playing in this summer’s European Championships in France.

Latics remain in fourth spot in the League One table, but with most of the teams around them losing or drawing they are now only five points off top spot and two points off second place with 17 games remaining.

Gary Caldwell made two changes from the team which drew 1-1 at Crewe last Saturday, with Haris Vuckic and Will Grigg replacing Michael Jacobs and Jordy Hiwula.

Latics were out of the traps quickly and immediately imposed themselves on a tentative looking Port Vale.

They went ahead after only seven minutes through Grigg after great work by Yanic Wildschut. The flying Dutchman out-sprinted his marker down the left hand side and pulled the ball to Grigg inside the six yard box and the striker got the final touch after an initial deflection by Vale defender Richard Duffy.

Latics continued to press forward and nearly went further ahead four minutes later.

Wildschut outwitted a Vale defender before trying to chip the advancing keeper Jak Alnwick. The ball rebounded off the keeper’s chest and fell to Grigg, but the striker couldn’t make a good enough contact and the ball came to Chris McCann whose cross shot flashed by Alnwick’s near post.

A rare Port Vale attack resulted in Jussi Jaaskelainen making a good save low down to deny a header from Matthew Kennedy.

Latics were soon back in control however and nearly doubled their lead when Wildschut and Grigg combined.

Wildschut produced another blistering run down the left hand side and crossed for Grigg, but the Irishman couldn’t make his effort count.

Grigg then had another chance on the half hour mark, when he met Wabara’s cross, but he was unable to get his effort on target.

However, Grigg did get his second on 41 minutes after winning a penalty. The striker looked to be through on goal, but the last defender Ryan McGivern wrestled him to the floor and was subsequently given a red card.

Grigg’s spot kick went into the net via the crossbar to give Latics a comfortable half-time lead.

The home team continued to dominate proceedings early in the second half.

Wildschut was a constant threat with his power and pace and the Dutchman nearly got on the score sheet when he once again tore through the heart of the Valiants defence.

The winger bombed down the left flank before cutting inside past several defenders, but just when it appeared he was going to score another wonder goal, his final effort went wide of the target.

Latics were now in total control and attacked in numbers. After some neat interplay on the edge of the Vale area, Max Power tried his luck, his shot from 20 yards just fizzing wide of Alnwick’s post.

On 69 minutes Latics added a third goal. Will Grigg completing his hat-trick with a cool finish after being played through by the excellent Chris McCann.

With Latics so dominant Gary Caldwell gave new singings Sam Morsy and Ryan Colclough the opportunity to make their debuts.

Colclough came close to capping his debut with a goal with 15 minutes remaining. The forward showed good skill to cut in from the right hand side and fired a shot just wide of the far post.

Wigan should have added further goals given their dominance, but a combination of poor finishing and last ditch defending by Vale somehow kept the score at 3-0.

Latics are increasing the pressure at the top of the table, they have now extended their unbeaten run to eight games and they are looking a good bet for promotion.

Posted in League One, Port Vale, Ryan Colclough, Sam Morsy, Wigan Athletic, Will Grigg | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Making the case for promotion

Posted on January 29, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Sam Morsy

New signing Sam Morsy

The doomsayers were out in force after Latics’ 1-1 draw at bottom club Crewe on Saturday night. The pessimists seem to think that the team had already blown their chances of promotion. However, I think they are very much in the race to go up automatically.

Latics are playing well and produced another good performance at Crewe; they were on top for most of the game and with a bit of luck would have secured all three points.

Some supporters assume that an away fixture at the bottom club is a guaranteed three points but in the football league the reality is often quite different.

Crewe defended well and counter attacked effectively and showed that they are a good football team who can take points off the best teams. They have previously managed draws away at Burton and Walsall and have beaten Sheffield United at home.

There are still many games ahead and there will be plenty of twists and turns and shock results before the end of the season.

If, as the cliché suggests, the English league calendar is more akin to a marathon than a sprint, then Latics’ season started slowly but is now gathering momentum towards the finish line.

Latics can achieve an automatic promotion place. They are unbeaten in seven games (currently the second best record in the Football League behind Nottingham Forest) and have moved up to fourth in the table.

They are only five points behind second placed Gillingham with 18 games still to play and a total of 54 points to play for.

Last season MK Dons were promoted in second place with 91 points and Latics are still capable of reaching that total.

The first team has been strengthened during the January transfer window with the exciting signings of Yanic Wildschut, Reece Wabara, Sam Morsi and Ryan Colclough.

Latics have a stronger squad after the transfer window than they did at the start, and with a few tweaks in the performances, an automatic promotion place is still a realistic target.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 29th January 2016.

 

Posted in Gary Caldwell, League One, Reece Wabara, Ryan Colclough, Wigan Athletic, Yanic Wildschut | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Resolute Crewe frustrate Latics – Crewe Alexandra 1 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on January 24, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Reece Wabara

New signing Reece Wabara scored his first goal for Latics

Bottom club Crewe denied promotion chasing Wigan with resolute defending and a little slice of luck.

Latics new signing Reece Wabara gave Latics the lead on 16 minutes with a superb strike from 20 yards, but Crewe drew level against the run of play with a quick counter attack well finished by Brad Inman.

The Alex might have gone ahead soon afterwards when Ryan Colclough struck the Latics bar from the edge of the area. Latics dominated possession and created numerous chances but were ultimately unable to get the winner.

Latics move up to fourth spot in the table and Crewe remain rooted to the bottom despite their sterling efforts.

Gary Caldwell made two changes from last Saturday’s victory over Chesterfield, with Yanic Wildschut and Chris McCann replacing Haris Vuckic and the injured Reece James.

Wigan dominated the early stages but they might have gone behind when Ryan Colclough shot was well saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Latics went ahead on 16 minutes through new signing Reece Wabara.

Wing-back Wabara played a one-two with Max Power before producing a quality first time strike to beat Ben Garratt from 20 yards.

Latics were now well on top and looking to add to their lead.

In quick succession, Jordy Hiwula, Michael Jacobs and Yanic Wildschut all had good opportunities well saved by Garratt.

However, Wigan’s momentum came to halt soon after Jacobs was stretchered off with a calf strain and replaced by Haris Vuckic.

Just before the break Crewe drew level following a quick breakaway from a Latics corner.

Bradden Inman found far too much space down the right hand side and produced a stunning rising shot past Jaaskelainen.

Then Crewe almost went ahead when Colclough smashed his curled effort against the crossbar from 25 yards.

The second half was mainly one way traffic however as Latics pressed for the winning goal and Crewe defended in numbers.

Latics were very unlucky when Wildschut looked to have regained them the lead on 55 minutes when he cut inside and unleashed a superb drive which beat Garratt, but unfortunately the ball crashed against the inside of the upright and away to safety.

Wildschut was causing Crewe plenty of problems and on 60 minutes he combined well with Chris McCann, but the keeper saved the shot with his feet before getting quickly back up to save the follow-up header.

Latics produced wave after wave of attacks but Crewe sat deep and hoped to hit Latics on the break.

Caldwell replaced Hiwula and Vuckic with Will Grigg and Craig Davies as they continued their onslaught on the home defence.

A Max Power corner evaded keeper Garratt and with the goal at his mercy Wildschut somehow headed over the crossbar.

Wabara fired across the six yard box, but no Wigan player was able to make the vital contact. Davies rolled his defender in the area and appealed for a penalty, but it would have been harsh decision, if given.

As the game moved into added time Latics upped the pressure with Davies and Power shooting from distance but Garratt was once again in position to save and earn Crewe a hard fought point.

Posted in Bradden Inman, Crewe Alexandra, League One, Reece Wabara, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Martinez, Caldwell and the crucial three

Posted on January 22, 2016 by ianhaspinall

 

Gary Caldwell3

Former captain and now manager Gary Caldwell

Latics’ two recent games against Sheffield United and Chesterfield have demonstrated the importance of getting it right at both ends of the pitch.

At 3-0 up against United, the team didn’t close the game down and they neglected their defensive duties, allowing an unlikely comeback by the Blades.

However, last Saturday’s convincing 3-1 victory at home to Chesterfield means Latics go into tomorrow’s away fixture at Crewe Alexandra in confident mood.

In particular, the first half performance against the Spireites was a joy to behold, with three superb goals from Max Power, Reece James and Michael Jacobs, this time giving Latics an unassailable lead.

If Latics can continue their blistering forward play they must also show greater resilience in defence. Gary Caldwell has struggled to fill the right wing-back position with Johnjoe Kenny, Donald Love and Donervon Daniels occupying the role at various times.

With the addition of Reece Wabara they now have a player who is used to the role and has the potential to fill the position permanently. If Wabara can make the position his own, it will give Daniels the chance to fight for one of the ‘crucial three’ centre back positions.

Captain Craig Morgan and vice-captain Jason Pearce have made the other two centre back places their own with consistent performances, but the third centre back position remains problematic.

Caldwell will be familiar with the importance of the ‘crucial three’ at the back.
During the club’s most successful period in the Premier League and FA Cup
triumph, Roberto Martinez’s innovative use of the back three was the foundation.

Martinez was one of the first managers to lead the way in adopting a back three in England and others soon followed.

Martinez was heavily influenced by the European game and in particular Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, Walter Mazzarri’s Napoli and Udinese’s Franceso Guidolin.

In the 2011/12 season Wigan were looking for a solution to their disappointing early form, so Martinez introduced a change in formation to 3-4-3.

In the last ten games of the season, which featured six wins, many of which were against the top teams, they dominated their opponents.

Caldwell was the Wigan captain at the time and he saw at first hand how successful this system could be. In the first half of the 4-0 win against Newcastle they were virtually unstoppable.

Every outfield player contributed to the attacking play while the Latics back three of Alcaraz, Caldwell and Figueroa were outstanding and gave nothing away.

A major bonus of the system was the flexibility: given different types of opponents or a change in personnel they could adapt to 3-4-2-1.

During the last ten games of 2011/12 and at the beginning of the 2012/13 season the formation was a base 3-4-2-1 that at times looked like a 3-4-3 and at times like a 4-4-1-1.

The ‘crucial three’ provides flexibility without sacrificing too much defensive strength.

Martinez designed a playing system that has a back three and one up front and six players who can adjust as required – which Caldwell is now utilising successfully in League One.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 22nd January 2016.

Posted in Crewe Alexandra, Gary Caldwell, League One, Roberto Martinez, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Power strikes Wigan to victory – Wigan Athletic 3 Chesterfield 1

Posted on January 16, 2016 by ianhaspinall
Max Power2

Max Power produced a super strike

A dominant first 45 minutes enabled Latics to record a comfortable 3-1 home win against Chesterfield at the DW Stadium.

A superb 25 yard strike by Max Power on six minutes set Wigan on their way and further first half goals by Reece James and Michael Jacobs reflected their dominance.

Latics had chances to extend their lead during the second half but it was the Spireites who pulled a late goal back on 79 minutes through Ollie Banks.

Wigan remain in fifth place in the League One table but they have reduced the gap on the teams above them and are now level points with fourth placed Coventry and three points behind third placed Gillingham.

Latics made two changes from the team which had drawn with Sheffield United, with Reece James, Jordy Hiwula and new signing Reece Webara coming into the team in place of Leon Barnett, Chris McCann and Will Grigg.

Latics picked up from from their first half performance against Sheffield United and attacked from the kick off.

They went ahead after only six minutes through a Max Power wonder strike.

The former Tranmere Rovers player picked up the ball in midfield after good work by Michael Jacobs, before hitting a shot from 25 yards that looped into the top right hand corner of the Chesterfield net.

Latics continued to go forward and Max Power twice tested the Spireites defence from distance, although both efforts were deflected away.

The visitors tried to respond with Jay O’Shea firing in a low effort on 21 minutes which Jaaskelainen pushed away into the six yard box and fortunately for Latics no Chesterfield player was on hand to finish.

Vuckic then went close for the home team. The Slovenian international received the ball in a good position in the area but was ultimately crowded out by the Chesterfield defence.

The visitors nearly drew level soon afterwards when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake surged forward and released Lee Novak. The former Huddersfield striker broke into the area but was denied by excellent goalkeeping from Jaaskelainen who dived at the feet of the onrushing forward to make the save.

Latics then practically sealed all three points with two goals in under two minutes.

The first came when Reece Wabara attacked down the right hand side before cutting the ball back to Reece James on the edge of the area and the former Manchester United player positioned himself before side footing the ball into the top left hand corner of the Spireites net.

The second came almost immediately from the re-start through Michael Jacobs. The winger broke free from the visitors defence and expertly chipped the ball over the advancing Tommy Lee in the Chesterfield goal.

Latics had dominated the opening half and should have been more than three ahead at the interval. Max Power, David Perkins and Michael Jacobs had all been outstanding for the home team.

They continued their onslaught of the Spireites goal at the opening of the second half.

Jacobs forced Lee into a low stop on 51 minutes and Power had an opportunity when Vuckic had set him up, but the midfielder fired straight at the Chesterfield keeper.

Jacobs was proving a constant threat and when he cut in from the left he had an opportunity to add to Latics’ tally, but he fired his effort straight at the keeper.

Chesterfield got a foothold in the game on 79 minutes when Ollie Banks scored after Jaaskelainen was unable to hold his low shot from the edge of the area.

The visitors pushed forward hoping to make a fight of it, but Gary Caldwell made tactical changes, introducing Craig Davies, Yanic Wildschut and reinforcing the midfield with Tim Chow, and Latics were able to dig in to secure another important victory in their push for promotion.

 

Posted in Chesterfield, League One, Max Power, Michael Jacobs, Ollie Banks, Reece James, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man – Not a time to panic

Posted on January 15, 2016 by ianhaspinall
David Perkins

David Perkins has been a key player in Latics’ successes this season

It was hugely disappointing to be pegged back from 3-0 up against Sheffield United on Tuesday night, but hopefully Gary Caldwell will have learned some important lessons about his players.

A number of factors contributed to Latics’ collapse against the Blades. At 3-0 they looked confident to push on and score more goals but they were perhaps too confident.

Committing too many men forward at a time when they risked being hit on the counter attack was dangerous. They often had four or five players in advanced positions and the shape of the team was affected.

Latics right hand side was particularly vulnerable as Donervon Daniels pushed too far forward and neglected his defensive duties and Leon Barnett had another out of sorts performance in the centre of defence.

Latics certainly became complacent after going 3-0 up. They should have closed the game down by retaining possession and controlling the midfield, and they neglected their defensive duties.

An angry Gary Caldwell commented after the game,

“We stopped working, we stopped running, we stopped heading it, we stopped tracking people. If you do that, you’re going to get punished – and we got punished. “

It should not be forgotten that Sheffield United are a decent team who could be involved in the play-offs at the end of the season. The Blades looked good going forward and they have good strikers in Matt Done and Billy Sharp who have scored 18 goals between them.

But perhaps the most significant factor was the forced substitution of David Perkins due to an ankle injury.

The combative midfielder has been a key player in Latics’ successes this season. Perkins does a lot of the hard work in midfield breaking up opposition attacks, winning the ball and setting up play.

It was no coincidence that with Perkins’ departure on 65 minutes and the introduction of Don Cowie that the midfield lost it’s grip and the Blades fightback got going.

Caldwell will no doubt make some strategic changes to his starting line-up after a poor last 20 minutes and he will also expect a swift response from his players.

But the manager will not panic; he knows that Latics have good quality in the squad and that they are still within striking distance of the automatic promotion places with 20 games remaining.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 15th January 2016.

Posted in David Perkins, Don Cowie, Gary Caldwell, League One, Leon Barnett, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment