12th Man: Where do we go from here?

Posted on January 9, 2015 by ianhaspinall
Liam Ridgewell

New loan signing Liam Ridgewell

Yet another defeat last Saturday this time to local rivals Bolton in the FA Cup and Wigan’s terrible run of form continues. Malky Mackay has been unable to improve results and has now lost six of his eight games since taking over as manager.

This latest defeat could have been much heavier if it was not for the heroics of Ali Al Habsi. The manager and many of the players should now be taking a very close look at themselves.

The first half performance was simply unacceptable and although there was improvement in the second, it appears that some of the players have lost the desire to play for the club.

If the club is to get out of this downward spiral there needs to be a massive change in attitude. Some of the players may believe they should be playing in the Premier League but they are likely to be playing in League One next season.

With the transfer window upon us it is a great opportunity for the manager to shape his squad, bring in the right type of players and ensure that we keep our best players.

The players must want to wear the Wigan shirt and be prepared to fight to maintain the club’s Championship status.

But so far the signs are not looking hopeful with the rumoured incomings uninspiring. Defender Liam Ridgewell is tipped to come in on a short-term loan from MLS team Portland Timbers and striker Danny Graham who has played for a multitude of different clubs during his career is expected to come on loan from Sunderland.

Some outgoing movement has already taken place with midfielder Roger Espinoza making a return to the MLS with Sporting Kansas City and striker Oriol Riera surprisingly allowed to depart on loan to Deportivo de La Coruna until the end of the season.

Shaun Maloney has been the subject of several transfer enquiries from Premier League clubs and one firm bid has come in so far from Leicester City of around £750,000. His contract is up at the end of the season but the club should do everything in their power to retain him until then.

Maloney is the most skillful player at the club and is currently one of the few capable of turning a game in Latics favour. When he came on at half time against Bolton the whole team was given a lift and he was the architect of all Latics best moves.

Maloney was a constant threat, twisting, turning and probing the Wanderers defence. He set up Wigan’s best chance of the game supplying Chris McCann to centre for Adam Forshaw’s close range header and almost equalised when his late free kick was tipped over by Adam Bogdan.

The Scottish international’s technique from dead ball situations is renowned and he could be a critical force in the fight for survival. A player of Maloney’s abilities should not be allowed to leave when Wigan are in such desperate need of quality.

Bringing in a transfer fee at this stage should not be the priority, but keeping Wigan in the Championship certainly is.

Questions are being asked about the manager’s team selections and now his activity in the transfer market is starting to look suspect.

The calibre of proposed signings doesn’t inspire confidence and making the wrong choices at this stage could be disastrous.

We have now reached a critical point and Malky Mackay’s decisions in the next few weeks will dictate whether Wigan are a Championship or Division One team next season.

 

Posted in Ali Al Habsi, Championship, Danny Graham, Liam Ridgewell, Malky Mackay, Oriel Riera, Roger Espinoza, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

FA Cup: Latics fall at the first hurdle – Bolton Wanderers 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on January 4, 2015 by ianhaspinall
FA Cup

FA Cup: Latics fall at the first hurdle

It was another disappointing day for Wigan as they slipped out of the FA Cup 1-0 to local rivals Bolton at the Macron Stadium. A goal by Wanderers debutant forward Zach Clough 14 minutes from time was sufficient to dump the 2013 winners and 2014 semi-finalists out of the competition at the first hurdle.

Latics first half display was simply not good enough as they gave the ball away far too easily with a succession of sloppy passes. Bolton seemed to have an extra player on the pitch at times as they created numerous goal scoring opportunities.

Ali Al Habsi returning to the Wigan team after a long absence produced a catalogue of fine saves following wave after wave of Wanderers attacks.

Wigan improved in the second half following the introduction of substitute Shaun Maloney and the little midfielder was instrumental in all their best moves.

Adam Forshaw had Latics best opportunity when his point-blank header was well saved by Adam Bogdan.

But on 76 minutes the 19-year-old Clough broke through the heart of the Wigan defence and chipped the ball over the advancing Al Habsi to seal Bolton’s progress to the fourth round.

Malky Mackay surprisingly only made one change to his starting line up from the defeat against Sheffield Wednesday with Ali Al Habsi replacing Scott Carson in-goal.

The 3,000 travelling Latics fans were frustrated to see their team pushed back in the early stages as Bolton pressed for a quick breakthrough. Al Habsi had to be at his best in the 10th minute as he came out to smother Liam Feeney’s shot.

They went close again on 20 minutes when David Wheater headed Tim Ream’s cross into the side netting. Soon afterwards Al Habsi was called upon to push away Liam Trotter’s close range header. Then James Perch made a last-ditch tackle as Feeney looked odds on to score.

Latics somehow survived the onslaught and went into the break level.

Mackay must have had some stern words at half time as Wigan emerged re-invigorated by the introduction of substitute Shaun Maloney for Marc-Antione Fortune.

Maloney was a constant threat, twisting, turning and probing the Wanderers defence. In the 52nd minute he set up Chris McCann down the left hand side and the Irishman’s perfect cross was met by Forshaw but his close range header was superbly kept out by Bogdan.

Bolton responded and Al Habsi was at full stretch to save Clough’s shot from the edge of the area.

The game was opening up now with both teams dangerous on the counter attack. James McLean headed over from Andrew Taylor’s cross and Al Habsi did well to save substitute Craig Davies effort.

But with 14 minutes of normal time remaining Wanderers made the breakthrough when Clough picked up Neil Dann’s excellent through ball and chipped the advancing Wigan keeper.

Latics tried to respond and McClean forced a full length save from Bogdan.

As the match moved into injury time Latics last chance to force a replay came from a free- kick but Maloney’s excellent effort was tipped over by Bogdan.

Latics are in a terrible run of form and Malky Mackay has now lost six of his eight games since taking over as manager.

This defeat could have been much heavier if it was not for the heroics of keeper Ali Al Habsi. The manager and players need to take a very close look at themselves.

The first half performance was simply unacceptable and although there was improvement in the second, it appears that many of the players have lost the desire to play for the club.

There needs to be a massive change in attitude within the club. Some of the players may believe they are capable of playing in the Premier League but they will be playing in League One next season if this form continues.

With the transfer window upon us now is the time to prune and restructure the squad and bring in the right type of players. Players who want to wear the shirt and are prepared to fight to maintain Wigan’s Championship status.

 

Posted in Bolton Wanderers, FA Cup, Malky Mackay, Wigan Athletic, Zach Clough | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

McManaman madness gives Wednesday the edge – Wigan Athletic 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1

Posted on December 31, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Callum McManaman

Callum McManaman dismissed for a reckless challenge

Wigan remain in the relegation zone after they slumped to their fifth defeat in seven games under manager Malky Mackay losing 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday at the DW Stadium.

Following another lacklustre performance by Latics the game appeared to be heading towards a stalemate until substitute Callum McManaman was sent off within 10 minutes of coming onto the pitch.

With Wigan reduced to ten men the Owls seized the ascendancy and Atdhe Nuhiu headed the winner eight minutes after the red card.

Malky made one change to his starting line-up from the team that won at Leeds United on Boxing Day with Adam Forshaw replacing Don Cowie in midfield.

Neither team gained the advantage in the opening stages although Latics enjoyed plenty of possession.

But in the 19th minute Wednesday were almost gifted the lead when Jacques Maghoma capitalised on Rob Kiernan’s poor pass. The winger stormed down the right and crossed towards Atdhe Nuhiu but the big Austrian striker somehow failed to capitalise and Ivan Ramis cleared the ball off the line.

Wednesday had another opportunity 15 minutes later when Lewis McGugan picked up the ball following Ben Watson’s mistake and fired an effort from distance, which took a deflection and went narrowly wide of Scott Carson’s post.

Latics had a half chance just before the interval when Chris McCann’s header towards the back post nearly found Marc-Antoine Fortune, but the Wednesday defence managed a hasty clearance.

Neither team had gained the upper hand by half time and the second period began in similar fashion with Latics having plenty of possession but they failed to threaten until 15 minutes into the half. James McClean broke down the left and brought a full length save from keeper Keiren Westwood.

Latics thought they had gone ahead four minutes later from a free kick. The ball was delivered into the near post with McClean getting the final touch, but the linesman flagged for offside.

McManaman replaced Fortune on 59 minutes and within ten minutes the winger saw red for a reckless two footed challenge on Claude Dielna. McManaman had been dismissed for a similar offence at Bournemouth last season. It is now becoming a worrying part of his game and he must learn to curb his temper or he will never fulfil his undoubted potential.

The red card was turning point and the Owls made the breakthrough thirteen minutes from time when Nuhiu met Jeremy Halen’s deflected centre to head home.

Wednesday should have doubled the lead in the 83rd minute, when Carson’s challenge from outside the area fell to Chris Maguire but the midfielder fired wide.

Latics nearly drew level with five minutes remaining when substitute Shaun Maloney’s superb free kick was headed agonisingly against the post by Ramis before McClean wasted the rebound.

Wednesday held on for the three points and move up the 10th in the Championship table. Latics sit second bottom in the table and three points behind fourth bottom Brighton.

Wigan will be glad to see the end of 2014. The off-the-field blunders have been matched by the team’s sorry decline from promotion favourites to relegation candidates. Surely things can only get better in 2015, can’t they?

Posted in Atdhe Nuhiu, Callum McManaman, Championship, Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Memorable for all the wrong reasons

Posted on December 29, 2014 by ianhaspinall
FA Cup

Latics were eight minutes away from a second successive FA Cup Final

The last two years have probably been two of the most memorable in Wigan Athletic’s 82-year history, but 2014 is now turning out to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Few events could match the tremendous highs of the historic first FA Cup win in May 2013 but the 2013/14 season was building for even more success until defeats in the FA Cup semi-final and Championship play-off semi-final shattered the dream.

The fine margins in football meant that Latics just couldn’t hold on for the final eight minutes against Arsenal to reach a second successive FA Cup Final. Losing on penalties was such a cruel way to miss out after performing so admirably.

If Latics had invested in a goal scorer they might have overcome QPR in a closely fought play-off semi-final and then gone on to beat Derby County in the play-off final.

These are all of course might have beens, but who could have imagined that they would be sitting in the relegation zone of the Championship by Christmas 2014.

Highlight

Probably the biggest double giant killing in FA Cup history. Latics stunned Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium in March this year.

Latics had vanquished City in the FA Cup final in May 2013, but this time City were even bigger favourites to win on their home patch. Yet Wigan produced an even more inspiring performance that gave tremendous hope to underdogs everywhere.

Lowlight

Like many Latics fans I had mixed feelings about the appointment of Malky Mackay. Dave Whelan’s decision to appoint Mackay was a controversial and risky appointment.

Out of the game since his sacking by Cardiff City, Mackay has apologised for his “sexist, racist and homophobic” text messages and is awaiting punishment by the FA.

But matters only got worse when Dave Whelan tried to defend the appointment. The FA charged the Chairman over comments he made about Jewish and Chinese people in an interview.

Whelan apologised for the comments but accepted the FA Charge and now awaits his punishment. He has indicated that he may resign from his position as Chairman and it is not clear where this would leave the club.

Best game

Latics produced their best performance of this season when they upset the odds and defeated Championship leaders Derby County on their own patch.

Going into the game the Rams had not been beaten in 12 matches and Latics had not won in eight games but two goals by James McClean ensured Wigan got their just rewards for a hard working team effort.

Best player

Shaun Maloney is probably the best player at the club. On his day the little Scottish international is Latics best creative outlet.

His ability from dead ball situations is renowned and his free-kick against Middlesbrough was typical of the highest quality. If Latics can get him fully fit he could be pivotal to our survival chances this season.

Prospects for 2015

The prospect of relegation to the third tier of English football looms large. All the good work done by the club in recent years could be undone this season. The downward spiral shows no sign of abating and unless radical change takes place the problems will continue.

The lack of a cutting edge remains evident and Malky’s ultra cautious team selections have contributed to the problems.

Malky has tended to go with the experienced older players but this has meant Latics have often lacked the energy to compete over 90 minutes. A more balanced mix of old and younger players is required if Wigan are to avoid the bleak prospect of relegation.

The bloated numbers of coaching staff at the club could be having a detrimental effect on the decision-making process. In addition to the manager Malky Mackay, there is David Kerslake, Graham Barrow, Eric Black and Mike Pollitt all involved in first team affairs. Could it be a case of too many cooks?

The playing squad is too big and needs to be trimmed to a more effective level, but a proven goal scorer should be top of the shopping list if we are to move away from the drop zone.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on 29th December 2014.

Posted in Arsenal, Championship, Dave Whelan, FA Cup, Malky Mackay, Manchester City, Play-offs, QPR, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A win at last – Leeds United 0 Wigan Athletic 2

Posted on December 27, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Elland Road panorama

Elland Road panorama

A fortuitous own goal and a late winner by James McClean gained Latics a 2-0 victory over fellow Championship strugglers Leeds United at Elland Road on Boxing Day.

It was a vital first win in six games for new manager Malky Mackay and it moves the team to within three points of fourth bottom Millwall.

Wigan took an early lead through a freak own goal when Leeds defender Liam Cooper chested James McClean’s cross past his own keeper in the 11th Minute.

McClean sealed the victory with ten minutes remaining when he completed a great counter attacking move rifling his shot past Marco Silvestri. It was Latics first three points since the away win at Derby County on the 25th October.

Malky made four changes from the recent defeat against Rotherham United with Rob Kiernan, James Tavernier, Ivan Ramis and Marc-Antoine Fortune coming into the starting eleven. FA Cup winners Emmerson Boyce, Shaun Maloney and Callum McManaman were on the substitutes bench.

The manager decided to go with a new formation with Ramis, Kiernan and Perch as centre backs and Tavernier and Taylor as wingbacks and a front-two partnership of McClean and Fortune.

As expected it was Leeds who were quick out of the blocks forcing Latics into defence. But Wigan were ahead in bizarre circumstances on 11 minutes.

McClean whipped in a low cross to the near post and under no pressure the Leeds centre-half Liam Cooper stretched to reach the ball with his chest and inadvertently diverted it into the bottom corner of Silvestri’s net.

It was a stunning blow for a home team lacking in confidence and it also gave Latics a platform to build on.

Leeds might have drawn level on 28 minutes when Cooper’s header beat Scott Carson but smacked against the crossbar. Carson then had to be sharp to cut out a delivery from Antenucci and Billy Sharp curled an effort wide of the Wigan upright.

However, Fortune might have doubled Latics lead just before the break, when he was played through by McClean but the Leeds keeper got down well to the striker’s angled drive.

The first period had been a fairly even affair, but Latics went into the interval with the important advantage.

The second-half was a different affair as Leeds dominated proceedings from the kick off. The Leeds manager Neil Redfearn reshuffled his line up at half time with striker Steve Morrison and the midfielder Rudolph Austin replacing Bianchi and Mowat.

Latics struggled to contain some free-flowing Leeds attacks with Stephen Warnock instrumental in many of their best moves. The home team created a plethora of goal scoring opportunities but a combination of some poor finishing, good defending and a little Lady Luck meant the Latics goal was not breached.

Antenucci failed to convert Lewis Cook’s cross from the right, and Carson produced an excellent save to tip over Giuseppe Bellusci’s drive. Carson then saved Cook’s drive from the edge of the box and then an effort from Austin.

The pressure was almost relentless as Carson tipped away Morrison’s header for a corner, and Byram headed over. Then Morrison put his effort well wide from the edge of the box, and then Austin shot high over the crossbar.

Latics should have put the game to bed on 81 minutes when substitute Roger Espinoza was sent clear by McClean but his effort was just wide of Silvestri’s left hand post.

But a minute later the result was sealed as Cowie’s through ball found McClean in the box and the Irishman rifled his shot past the helpless Silvestri. Cue scenes of great delight from the travelling band of Latics supporters.

This was a big confidence boosting win for Wigan but on this performance there is still plenty of work to do if the team are to rise up the table and away from the relegation zone.

Posted in Championship, James McClean, Leeds United, Liam Cooper, Malky Mackay, Neil Redfearn, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Season’s Greetings to all Wigan Athletic fans

Posted on December 24, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Wigan badge banner

Wigan Athletic banner

I just wanted to say thank you to all ‘Let’s Hang On’ readers for your support this year. It’s been great to have so many readers and receive your regular feedback. I’m looking forward to further discussions in 2015.

The last two years have been two of the most memorable in Wigan Athletic’s 82-year history, but 2014 is now turning out to be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Hopefully 2015 will see Latics hitting the headlines again and for all the right reasons.

Keep the faith and Let’s Hang On in the Championship!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Latics fans everywhere.

Posted in Championship, Christmas, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Desperate days for Wigan – Wigan Athletic 1 Rotherham United 2

Posted on December 21, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Ben Watson

Ben Watson header was not enough for Latics

This crucial relegation six pointer ended in 2-1 victory for the visitors Rotherham after a dismal display by Latics.

Despite the need to secure a vital first win in 17 matches the Wigan players showed little of the desire required to overcome the combative Millers. The strangely lacklustre display was not helped by Malky Mackay’s team selection with one central striker James McClean, largely ineffective in a must win fixture.

Wigan never really got going until the dying stages when substitutes Marc-Antoine Fortune and Oriol Riera might have grabbed a point.

Rotherham went ahead on 40 minutes after a calamitous mistake by full back Andrew Taylor which set up Tom Lawrence for a comfortable finish past Scott Carson.

Ben Watson managed to draw Wigan level on 64 minutes when he headed home James McClean’s corner. But within a minute Rotherham got the winner when Alex Revell headed home unchallenged from a free-kick.

Malky only made one change from the team that had lost at Watford with Shaun Maloney coming in for Roger Espinoza. The manager’s decision to go with winger McClean as the lone central striker was to prove costly.

Callum McManaman looked lively in the early stages and caused problems in the Millers box by beating three defenders before testing Adam Collin with a low shot.

Rotherham responded well and could have taken the lead themselves through Emmanuel Ledesma, who forced a save from Scott Carson, before firing wide on the rebound.

Latics had their best chance to take the lead on 22 minutes when Ben Watson followed up McCann’s header in the box from a corner, but fired the ball wide of the goal from twelve yards out.

As the half progressed, Rotherham started to get the upper hand and in the 39th minute, they went close to scoring when Lawrence forced a good save from Carson.

Shortly afterwards the Millers went ahead when Lawrence capitalised on a poor back pass from Andrew Taylor to side foot the ball past Carson.

Rotherham continued their dominance in the second half with Revell firing straight at Carson.

Malky responded by adopting a more attacking formation with substitutes Fortune (53 mins) and Oriol Riera (63 mins).

The changes made a difference and Latics were level in the 63rd minute when Watson’s near post header from McClean’s corner powered past Collin.

But disastrously for Wigan, Rotherham were back in front within a minute through Alex Revell. A free-kick was floated into the box and Revell rose unchallenged to loop his header high over Carson and into the Wigan net.

Marc-Antoine Fortune had a great opportunity to draw Wigan level when he turned his marker in the box but the striker fired high over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

It might have been worse for Wigan ten minutes later when Andrew Taylor cleared the ball off the line after Jordan Bowery’s dangerous low cross.

Oriol Riera almost restored parity late on when his powerful header hit the cross-bar but it just wasn’t to be. The vital three points deservedly went to Rotherham after what had been an abject performance by Latics.

It was Rotherham’s first win in 10 matches and they are now seven points ahead of Latics as we approach the halfway point in the season.

Wigan are in a dire run of form and have not won at home in the Championship since the end of August.

The new manager has suffered a fourth defeat in his five matches in charge. After a good start against Middlesbrough the performances have deteriorated and the prospect of relegation now looms large.

The lack of a cutting edge remains evident and Malky’s ultra cautious team selections have contributed to the problems. Malky has tended to go with the experienced older players but this has meant Latics have often lacked the energy to compete over 90 minutes. A more balanced mix of old and younger players is required if Wigan are to avoid the bleak prospect of relegation.

In his post match interview the Wigan manager acknowledged that the squad is too big and there is a need for changes in the transfer window. In the meantime Wigan need to get some points on the table as a matter of urgency.

Posted in Alex Revell, Ben Watson, Malky Mackay, Rotherham United, Tom Lawrence, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

12th Man: Time for players to take responsibility

Posted on December 19, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Shaun Maloney

Shaun Maloney

Latics enter the hectic Christmas period in poor form and desperately in need of a first win under Malky Mackay. Saturday’s opponents Rotherham were expected to be near the drop zone after their promotion from League 1 but Wigan are in a position that few would have predicted in pre-season.

Latics have massively under achieved this term with a squad that should be much higher up the table. The current squad is endowed with an abundance of international experience.

Wigan had six stars representing their countries recently with Shaun Maloney (Scotland), James McClean (Republic of Ireland), Emyr Huws (Wales), William Kvist (Denmark), Maynor Figueroa (Honduras), and Ali Al Habsi (Oman) all on international duty.

Add to that list fellow internationals Emmerson Boyce (Barbados), Roger Espinoza (Honduras), Scott Carson (England), Don Cowie (Scotland), Thomas Rogne (Norway) and a long list of players who have represented their countries at Youth or Under-21 level, and it is clear that on paper the club have a very talented group of players.

Managerial changes and off the field controversies have all been a distraction this season but the players need to take a close look at their own performances.

It is easy to look for excuses when things are not going as well as expected and confidence is low, but the players have a responsibility to the fans to be the best that they possibly can.

In comparison to most people the players earn large salaries and have very fortunate lifestyles. There should be no need for excuses when professional pride is at stake.

Many of the players have performed to a high standard in the Premier League, some have won trophies and some have been involved in promotion winning teams, but for whatever reason they are not reaching those levels of performance at the current time.

The players need to be 100% focused and determined to get the win on Saturday. The mistakes that have plagued Wigan this season need to be eradicated and when the chances are created they need to be finished.

The players now need to step up to the standards expected of them. Rotherham will be no pushovers but the Wigan players must put their bodies on the line to get the vital first win and close the gap on the team that sit four points ahead of them in the table.

The manager has a big responsibility to instill belief in his players so that they can secure the vital first win under his stewardship. Now is time for Malky to adopt a more positive approach with his team selection and go all out for the three points with an attacking line up.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 19th December 2014.

Posted in Championship, Malky Mackay, Rotherham United, Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Watford add to Wigan woes – Watford 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on December 14, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Chris McCann

Chris McCann on target for Latics

Two goals by Watford’s Troy Deeney condemned Wigan to their third consecutive defeat in four games under new manager Malky Mackay at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

The free scoring striker produced a top quality finish to give the Hornets the lead but Chris McCann headed in an equaliser just before half time.

Latics had been the better team in the second half but with only eight minutes remaining Deeney headed home the decisive goal.

Mackay made three changes from the team beaten by Norwich City with Don Cowie, Roger Espinoza and skipper Emmerson Boyce replacing Shaun Maloney, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Maynor Figueroa.

Most people had anticipated changes to the forward line after recent poor results but the manager sprung a surprise by moving James McClean into the central striker’s position role with Espinoza operating on the left side and McManaman on the right.

Latics started hesitantly against the Hornets who had defeated Fulham 5-0 at Craven Cottage the previous week.

Scott Carson made a couple of good saves from Gianni Munari’s shot and a 30-yard free-kick from Daniel Tozser. Watford took the lead on 20 minutes following good work by winger Ikechi Anya, who crossed for Deeney to produce a quality low finish from a tight angle.

Wigan responded well and gradually got a foothold in the game, pushing Watford back with some concerted pressure.

A Ben Watson free kick found Leon Barnett unmarked eight yards out but his header was straight at Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes.

Soon afterwards Latics had two good chances to draw level. Chris McCann’s shot was blocked before the ball fell to McClean who beat his marker but his drive was saved low down by Gomes.

Latics were level just before the interval. McClean’s whipped corner found McCann unmarked on the penalty spot and the Irishman’s header flew past Gomes and high into the Watford net. It was a deserved equaliser and augured well for the second half.

Latics continued the good work after the interval with Watson nearly re-creating his famous FA Cup winning goal but this time he headed just over the crossbar from McClean’s corner.

McClean forced Gomes into another good save low down as Wigan continued to have the better of the play.

Latics were showing more signs of cohesion than in the last two games and it was looking likely that they could hang on for at least a point, but with eight minutes remaining all the good work amounted to nothing as Deeney grabbed the winner.

Anya was allowed far too much space on the right hand side and the little winger crossed for Deeney to power home his second of the game and his fifth goal in the last two matches.

It was hard on Wigan, but in the final analysis the difference had been in the quality of the strikers. Latics are struggling to find any marksmen and Watford have quality in abundance with Deeney, backed up by Matej Vydra, Almen Abdi, and Daniel Tozser.

Latics remain the second bottom in the Championship table and are now four points from safety.

Malky said the defeat was hard to take but was still upbeat in his analysis and believes results can be turned around. He said:

“We’ve played three of the top four clubs in the division in the last few weeks and we’ve been in the games absolutely so that’s what I hold on to in terms of this group of players we’ve got here.

It’s just about the fine details and the demands that the players are putting among themselves; they’ve got to keep demanding of themselves so that one little error isn’t costing them the game which it is what’s happened over the last couple weeks.

It’s a bit about belief as well, we’ve got to keep believing in ourselves because this is a good group and they’re together”.

Posted in Almen Abdi, Championship, Chris McCann, Daniel Tozser, Matej Vydra, Troy Deeney, Watford, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

12th Man: Where are all the goals?

Posted on December 12, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Oriel Riera

Striker Oriol Riera deserves his chance

Latics fans will be travelling down to Watford on Saturday more in hope than expectation of getting a good result. The signs are not looking good for Wigan as they slumped to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Norwich City in their last game while Watford who are currently in the play-off zone produced an emphatic 5-0 victory at Fulham.

Latics were toothless in attack against Norwich and despite dominating possession in the second half they looked incapable of getting an equaliser.

Malky must address the lack of goals immediately or they will continue to struggle. Latics have produced a pitiful tally of only 20 goals in 20 matches this season and their top scorer Callum McManaman has only five goals. Midfielder Shaun Maloney has two, while our strikers Marc-Antoine Fortune, Oriol Riera, Martyn Waghorn and Andy Delort have only managed four between them.

In comparison the Hornets have scored 36 goals and have a potent central strike force in Troy Deeney and Matej Vydra who have scored seven goals each this season. They are backed up by goal scoring midfielders/forwards Almen Abdi five goals and Daniel Tozser and Fernando Forestieri who have scored four each. The contrast between Watford and Latics forward lines is a stark one.

Deeney was picked up for a relatively modest £500,000 from Walsall in 2010 and has scored 63 goals in 179 appearances for Watford. Vydra is a Czech Republic international who won the Championship Player of the Year in 2012/13 and is currently on loan from Udinese. He‘s in his second loan spell with Watford and has hit the net 27 times in 59 appearances.

Wigan shelled out around £5m for strikers Riera from Osasuna and Delort from Tours but neither has been given much game time to show what they can do. Malky has used Fortune as the one central striker since taking over as manager and although he will want to be defensively strong at Vicarage Road, surely it is time to try something different upfront?

A new central striker partnership of Riera and Delort or Fortune could provide the cutting edge that Latics have been missing. The summer transfer signings should be given their opportunity to see if they can make a difference. A fresh approach in attack is now required if Malky is to get his first win in charge.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 12th December 2014.

Posted in Andy Delort, Malky Mackay, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Oriel Riera, Watford, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments