Pressure mounts on Rösler after another defeat – Bournemouth 2 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on September 28, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Goldsands Stadium, Bournemouth

Goldsands Stadium. Pic by Matthew Jackson.

Bournemouth heaped pressure on Wigan manager Uwe Rösler as they condemned his team to a second defeat in six days with a goal in each half from Yann Kermorgant and Simon Francis.

Kermorgant gave the Cherries the lead from Matt Ritchie’s cross eight minutes before half-time.

With 20 minutes of the game remaining Francis sealed the victory when he started and finished a flowing move pushing Bournemouth into mid table and leaving Latics struggling in 18th place.

Wigan offered little throughout and the result rarely looked in doubt as the Cherries comfortably overcame a lacklustre Latics line up.

The omens did not look good before the kick off as Rösler once again changed his starting eleven with Andrew Taylor brought in as a wing back in the move to 3-5-2, with Emyr Huws replacing William Kvist in midfield. Surprisingly Rosler decided to start with Marc-Antoine Fortune and Martyn Waghorn as the two forwards.

As early as the third minute Callum Wilson nearly gave the home team the lead but his shot went narrowly wide.

The home team were the more progressive and in the 36th minute Ritchie’s pinpoint cross found Kermorgant, and the big french striker headed home.

Wilson might have doubled the Cherries lead early in the second half but some good defensive play by Ivan Ramis denied him the opportunity.

But on 70 minutes Bournemouth sealed the victory when Wilson dummied Francis’ pass, letting it run into the feet of Kermorgant, who returned the ball to Francis and the defender tucked the ball underneath Scott Carson.

A late Andy Delort free-kick drew a save from Artur Boric but in truth Wigan hadn’t deserved anything from the game.

Rösler was visibly shaken by the result and in his post match interviews he acknowledged the poor performance.

“Overall it is not good enough, I feel embarrassed for my chairman and my supporters for not delivering better results than we do at the moment.

I think we all want to do well, all my players want to do well, but in the moment we lack in confidence. When you play for Wigan Athletic that comes responsibilities, expectations, pressure and in the moment we can’t perform under those circumstances.”

Wigan have won only two league games out of nine and lie only three points above the relegation zone.  Many fans are understandably disgruntled and are already calling for a change in manager on social media.

However, despite the poor results I think it is too early to call an end to Rosler’s reign. The squad is strong and capable of much better. The manager proved last season that he is capable of turning Latics results around and getting the team back in the promotion race.

Rösler knows that if results do not improve his job will be on the line. But now is the time for the supporters to get behind the team and back the manager starting on Tuesday night at home to Nottingham Forest.

Posted in Bournemouth, Championship, Jann Kermorgant, Simon Francis, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Wigan tormented by Tractor Boys – Wigan Athletic 1 Ipswich Town 2

Posted on September 23, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Conor Sammon, Ipswich Town

Conor Sammon came back to haunt Latics. Pic by Michael Kranewitter

In front of the TV cameras Latics gave a stuttering performance which allowed Ipswich Town to take all three points at the DW Stadium last night.

Luke Hyam gave Ipswich the lead when he converted Tyrone Mings’s low cross and the Tractor Boys doubled their lead in the second half when former Latics striker Conor Sammon bundled the ball over the line from close range.

Wigan responded on 82 minutes when Martyn Waghorn deflected in a James McClean shot and Oriol Riera might have equalised but his powerful effort thumped the post.

Uwe Rösler decided to change his usual formation and went for a back four of Boyce, Ramis, Keirnan and Perch and a midfield three of Kvist, Cowie and Forshaw. The forward line consisted of McManaman, Delort and Maloney.

Latics started brightly, dominating the possession, and might have scored when Andy Delort headed over from a Shaun Maloney cross.

Latics continued to press in the opening stages and could have been awarded a penalty, when Emmerson Boyce was brought down by Christophe Berra, but referee Andy Woolmer waved away the appeals.

Ipswich’s physical approach was starting to disrupt Wigan’s passing game with Callum McManaman in particular singled out for some bone crunching tackles.

Town were closing Wigan down quickly and springing their own attacks.

In the 18th minute Daryl Murphy drew a fine save from Scott Carson and two minutes later Tyrone Mings driven low cross was converted by Luke Hyam from eight yards out.

Ipswich might have increased their lead soon afterwards when Murphy’s cross beat Carson but Ivan Ramis was able to clear away the danger before David McGoldrick could apply the final touch.

Latics responded strongly with McManaman posing a threat but the young winger was soon clattered by Berra and had to go off injured in the 36th minute, with James McClean coming on.

Soon afterwards Town should have been reduced to ten men when Shaun Maloney was brought down by Mings when he had a clear run on goal. Mings received a yellow card from referee Woolmer but many other referees would have given a red.

Latics went into the interval one nil down but having dominated possession they just needed more penetration in front of goal. Striker Andy Delort was working hard but he was struggling to hold up the ball and link up with his team mates.

Midfielder Adam Forshaw might have equalised in the 51st minute when his shot from the edge of the area just cleared the crossbar.

But Ipswich stunned the home crowd on 63 minutes when McGoldrick threaded the ball through to former Latics striker Conor Sammon, who rounded Carson and bundled the ball into an empty net.

The visitors could have added to their lead soon afterwards but McGoldrick fired wide from the edge of the area.

Rösler brought on Oriel Riera for Maloney on 64 minutes and then Martyn Waghorn for Delort after 72 minutes and this helped change the pattern of play in Wigan’s favour. Forshaw moved from the right to the centre of midfield and Cowie moved over to the right which gave Wigan a more balanced formation. Riera held the ball up well and looked more comfortable in the air than the shorter Delort.

Latics reduced the arrears in the 82nd minute when James McClean’s arrowed drive from 12 yards out was deflected home via Waghorn’s knee.

It was all Wigan now with Town manager Mick McCarthy exchanging some anxious glances with his assistant Terry Connor.

Emmerson Boyce blazed wide from inside the area and with three minutes remaining Riera was denied an equaliser when his powerful shot crashed against the right hand post.

Latics had dominated possession and had twenty shots to Ipswich’s eight. Once again the major failure continues to be in the final third were they are unable to capitalise on their overall dominance.

A disappointing result for Latics but it was perhaps inevitable that it would take time for the new players to settle into the team. Rösler has changed the playing style this season and perhaps because of the injury to Emyr Huws the formation had to be changed against Ipswich. There has been a significant turnover in playing staff during the transfer window and many of the players are still getting to know each other.

The doom and gloom amongst some of the supporters is perhaps understandable given the high expectations but it should be balanced by the understanding that it takes time to build a new team and that is essentially where Wigan Athletic are at his moment in time. Patience is required please.

Posted in Championship, Conor Sammon, Ipswich Town, Luke Hyam, Martyn Waghorn, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics awayday blues continue – Huddersfield Town 0 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on September 16, 2014 by ianhaspinall
John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield

John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield

Wigan’s inability to win away from home continued as they were held 0-0 in a dour encounter at Huddersfield Town. Latics have still to win on their travels this season and found it hard to break down a Town team who occupy a spot in the bottom three and have not won in the Championship since August 19th.

Uwe Rösler surprisingly opted to keep faith with the same side that went down 3-1 at Blackburn with midfielder Emyr Huws passing a late fitness test.

New Town manager Chris Powell made two changes to the side beaten by Middlesborough, Danny Ward replacing Harry Bunn while Jon Stead deputised for the injured James Vaughan.

Latics started sluggishly and nearly went behind in the first five minutes when Danny Ward’s cross-cum-shot was saved on the line by full back Andrew Taylor.

Ward then tested Scott Carson with a dipping shot but the former England keeper held it comfortably.

As the half progressed Latics began to grow in confidence and started to create some chances of their own.

Striker Andy Delort produced a long-range effort and then Callum McManaman nearly got on the score sheet when he rounded keeper Alex Smithies but saw his goal-bound effort well blocked first by Joel Lynch and then Mark Hudson.

On the half-hour mark McManaman looked to have been brought down in the Town penalty area, but despite his protests, referee Seb Stockbridge produced a yellow card having decided the winger had dived.

Wigan started the second half brightly and Town keeper Smithies twice had to keep out efforts from Huws in the opening couple of minutes.

Latics were dominating possession but they could not turn their dominance into goals, and Town substitute Sean Scannell was causing problems down the right-wing with his pace.

The winger was unlucky to see an excellent delivery cleared away from his own goal by Emmerson Boyce and later another dangerous delivery from Scannell was hooked from under his own crossbar by Man of the Match Boyce.

Wigan continued to press forward, with substitute James Tavernier producing some testing crosses into the danger area but no Latics player was able to capitalise.

But with only ten minutes remaining Huddersfield could have taken all three points,  when Jon Stead forced a great save from Scott Carson with a close range header after yet another Scannell cross.

Wigan’s best opportunity fell to substitute Oriol Riera who met James Tavernier’s cross, but the Spanish striker’s effort went harmlessly over the crossbar and the chance of a first away victory of the season disappeared.

Wigan’s Huddersfield jinx continues and they have still never won at Huddersfield in the league. Their only win there in 14 meetings in all competitions was 4-1 in the FA Cup in February last year. A point wasn’t of much benefit to either side with Latics remaining in 16th place in the table and Town dropping down to 22nd position.

Posted in Championship, Chris Powell, Huddersfield Town, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Marshall magic gives Rovers the edge – Blackburn Rovers 3 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on September 14, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Ewood Park

Ewood Park

Scoring two top quality goals by Man of the Match Ben Marshall was the difference between Blackburn and Wigan at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon.

Marshall blasted a 25-yard shot into the bottom corner and later exquisitely curled a another past Scott Carson after Jordan Rhodes provided Rovers second goal with a close range header.

Ivan Ramis had missed a first-half penalty for Latics before they took the lead through a James Perch volley just after half-time.

Wigan had been the better team in the opening half with new signings Andy Delort and William Kvist making their debuts. Callum McManaman once again looked lively and posed a major threat to the Rovers backline.

In fact, it was McManaman who might have scored with seven minutes of the first-half remaining when he jinked into the Rovers box and just when he was about to shoot his leg was caught by Alex Baptiste and referee Roger East awarded a spot kick.

With none of Latics usual penalty takers on the pitch, Ramis stepped up to take the spot kick but blazed the ball high over the crossbar.

Despite the miss Latics continued to dominate, McManaman had a shot well saved by Robinson before the winger sent in a cross which was headed over by Emmerson Boyce just before the interval.

Wigan continued to press at the beginning of the second-half and it was not long before they were ahead. Emyr Huws made inroads into the Rovers box before his cross was deflected out to Perch on the edge of the area and the former Newcastle defender’s shot found the bottom left corner of the net.

But in a crazy five minutes the game turned in Rovers favour. First Latics failed to clear Craig Conway’s cross and Marshall expertly chested the ball down and fired it into the bottom corner.

Three minutes later Rovers were controversially awarded a free-kick when it appeared that McManaman had been fouled rather than committed a foul. From the resulting set piece the prolific Rhodes headed Conway’s cross past Scott Carson to leave Latics in a state of shock.

The visitors were stunned by the turn of events and the home team now took control. Marshall was denied by Carson’s spectacular one-handed save and Varney nearly got on the end of Marcus Olsson’s low cross.

Nine minutes from time Rovers sealed the victory when Marshall capped his Man of the Match display when he picked up Olsson’s pass and superbly curled a low shot into the right corner.

The difference between the two sides had been in the final third were Rovers and in particular Marshall were excellent while Latics struggled to penetrate.

Rovers now move up to eighth in the table and Wigan drop down to 16th. Latics must move onto Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night knowing that a win is essential if they are to get their season back on track.

Posted in Ben Marshall, Blackburn Rovers, Championship, Ivan Ramis, James Perch, Jordan Rhodes, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Revolving door just keeps turning – transfer deadline day round up

Posted on September 1, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Andy Delort

New signing Andy Delort

The revolving door of football transfers turned rapidly today at the DW Stadium with some significant ins and outs.

After some protracted transfer dealings long time target Adam Forshaw arrived from Brentford for around £4m and striker Andy Delort signed from French Ligue 2 team FC Tours for just under £3m. Welsh international Emyr Huws joined on a permanent deal from Manchester City and a surprise signing came in the form of Denmark international William Kvist from VFB Stuttgart.

On the negative side FA Cup winner and fans favourite James McArthur left Wigan to join Crystal Palace for a reported record club fee of £7m.

Adam Forshaw

22-year-old Forshaw was the 2013/14 League One Player of the Year and joins Latics on a four year contract. Uwe Rosler earmarked the former Everton trainee as a replacement for last season’s Player of the Year Jordi Gomez.

Latics manager told the official website:

“First of all, I want to say that Adam was always my number one target as a permanent replacement for Jordi Gomez. We are all therefore delighted that he is joining us. 

Of course he is a player I know well, I initially loaned him during my time at Brentford and he gained his first regular league football experience there under me. “

Rosler continued:



“Adam will be a big part of our future at this football club; he is the right age, with the right qualities and desire to progress here. 

He will take the Championship in his stride and, like all of our signings, we believe he has the potential to flourish in the Premier League as well.”

Andy Delort

Wigan fought off competition from Wolves, Brentford, QPR and Lille in France to secure Andy Delort’s signature.

The young striker is a former France Under 20’s international and has also represented France Beach Soccer team. Delort was named in the Ligue 2 Team of the Season for 2013/14 whilst playing for FC Tours, and finished second in the Ligue 2 Player of the Year.

Rosler enthused:

“Andy is such an exciting player. He lives to score and from the moment that Tony Coton first spotted him last season playing for Tours, there was a real desire to bring him to our club.

We have managed to bring in a proven goal scorer at the right age for under £3million and that is a testament to our club but especially to the player, his family and his agent.

Despite huge pressure from outside during these last few days, he has never wavered in his desire to join us. “

The 22-year-old had an excellent strike rate with 24 goals in 36 outings for FC Tours last season. He will be expected to provide stiff competition for recent £3m signing Oriel Riera in the central striker role.”

Emyr Huws

Latics fans will be disappointed to see the departure of FA Cup winner James McArthur to Crystal Palace for a club record £7m, but the money received has already been well invested in the permanent signing of Emyr Huws from Manchester City for a fee of around £3m.

The 20-year-old has impressed during his loan and Rosler knows that the Welsh international has the potential to become a top Premier League player.

Rosler was delighted with the move and told the official website:

“Emyr has impressed everyone since arriving at the club, and we feel that he can have a major role to play in the future of the club.

Everybody can see what a very talented player Emyr is, and from the first training session with us leading through to the games he has played, he has been very good.

At just 20 years old he is already with the full Welsh national team and the chance to sign him on a long-term contract was too good an opportunity to turn down.”

William Kvist

Denmark international William Kvist is Wigan’s fourth signing of transfer deadline day.
Kvist joins on a free transfer from Bundesliga team VFB Stuttgart, subject to Football League and international clearance.

The 29-year-old defensive midfielder has represented his country at every level from the age of 16 and will win his 48th full cap if he plays against Turkey this week. He played eight games on loan for Fulham last season in the Premier League on loan from Stuttgart but has not featured so far this campaign for VFB.

Latics manager Uwe Rosler was delighted with the signing of the Dane.

He said:

“William is a player I know from my time in Norway, when Lillestrom faced Copenhagen in the Scandinavian Royal League final. He is a top international midfielder in the prime of his career and we are absolutely delighted to be able to sign him.

He knows the football culture in this country having played here for Fulham last season and we are fortunate that we have been able to get him at this stage of his career. He will add great experience, knowledge of the position and of course competition in our midfield area. We are delighted to bring him on board.”

With only one major departure and four promising new signings transfer deadline day ended with Latics fans in optimistic mood for the rest of the season.

Posted in Adam Forshaw, Andy Delort, Brentford, Championship, Crystal Palace, FC Tours, James McArthur, Lille, Manchester City, QPR, Wolves | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics in formidable form – Wigan Athletic 4 Birmingham City 0

Posted on August 30, 2014 by ianhaspinall
James McArthur Wigan Athletic

Transfer target James McArthur

Latics produced an outstanding display of attacking football to defeat Birmingham City 4-0 at the DW Stadium.

Two goals by Callum McManaman and one each for full back Andrew Taylor and substitute Martyn Waghorn provided an emphatic scoreline but it could so easily have been many more.

Oriol Riera, McArthur, McManaman and Waghorn all should have added to the scoreline against a Birmingham team that offered very little.

Latics preparations for the game could have been disrupted by the departure of James McArthur to Leicester City and the protracted transfer of Adam Forshaw from Brentford, but it seemed the off the field activity had the opposite effect and only galvanised the team into producing their best performance of the season.

Right from the off Latics set about their opponents with determination, gaining control in the midfield. McArthur was seemingly everywhere, chasing down his opponents, winning the ball and setting up play for his colleagues.

McManaman gave Latics the lead after only nine minutes with a splendidly creative run and finish. The young Liverpudlian is starting to fulfill his undoubted potential and was a threat all afternoon.

Wigan doubled their lead on 39 minutes when full back Taylor opened his account for the club. The young full back was fed by McArthur on the left hand side and his arrowed shot found the back of the net via the right hand post.

The three points were sealed just before half time with another superb effort from McManaman. After a neat interchange with Emyr Huws, McManaman showed great balance and technique by curling the ball away from the Blues keeper Darren Randolph and into the corner of the net.

It was a perfect first half performance and one which had the home fans purring during the interval.

It was always going to be difficult for Latics to reach the same high level of performance after the interval but they continued to dominate apart from a late surge by the visitors as they sought a consolation goal.

Latics fourth goal arrived on 78 minutes through substitute Martyn Waghorn who linked up well with fellow substitute Shaun Maloney to score from six yards out.

Maloney was involved again shortly after but he could not create the goal for the omnipresent McArthur, who fired into the side-netting from close range.

Emmerson Boyce might have added a fifth late on, but his header was tipped over by Randolph.

This was a memorable performance by Latics and if they can maintain this level of performance after the international break they will soon be joining the Championship pacesetters.

Posted in Birmingham City, Callum McManaman, Championship, James McArthur, Martyn Waghorn, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Latics get vital first win – Wigan Athletic 1 Blackpool 0

Posted on August 24, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Oriel Riera

Oriel Riera on target for Latics

A first goal for new signing Oriel Riera was enough for Latics to secure their first three points of the season against struggling Blackpool at the DW Stadium.

Wigan should’ve been out of sight by half time after creating a stream of good goal scoring opportunities. But they were unable to produce the killer second goal to make the game comfortable.

Blackpool huffed and puffed but in truth they look a team destined for relegation. The Seasiders fans spent most of the game demanding the resignation of the unpopular Oyston family and will feel relieved that they only lost by a narrow margin.

In bright sunlight Latics attacked from the off with Callum McManaman posing a major threat down the right hand side.

The Seasiders David Perkins picked up an early yellow card for clattering into McManaman and Wigan might have gone ahead when James Perch’s cross found Riera, the Spanish striker heading just over from a good position.

Manchester City loanee Emyr Huws’ cross then found skipper Emmerson Boyce, who volleyed over from inside the box.

Wigan’s best opportunity came after 20 minutes when Riera produced an excellent low cross for McManaman who with the goal at his mercy sliced his effort wide of the target.

McManaman was then lucky to survive a reckless challenge from Peter Clarke. The Blackpool player might have been dismissed but on this occasion only received a yellow card.

Wigan continued to dominate and on 35 minutes they got their reward when Riera produced a controlled finish in the area following a cross by Andrew Taylor.

Latics looked likely to add to their lead when Perch’s cross from the right looked perfect for McManaman but Daniels somehow managed to clear off the line.

McManaman was in the thick of everything and nearly doubled Latics lead before the interval when his shot went just past the far post.

However, as the half drew to a close the visitors could have been level when John Lundstram’s shot was deflected past the post.

Wigan continued their dominance at the beginning of the second half, with McManaman once again prominent. The Liverpudlian beat three defenders but his final shot unfortunately went straight at the goalkeeper.

Wigan did look vulnerable on the counter-attack and Blackpool almost levelled when substitute Nile Ranger fired over from inside the six-yard box.

As the game moved towards the final whistle Wigan dropped back and became increasingly concerned about protecting their lead and securing the vital first three points of the season.

A last-minute free-kick on the edge of the Wigan area caused a few hearts to flutter but fortunately the opportunity came to nothing.

The struggling Seasiders haven’t managed a point from their opening four fixtures and their prospects for the rest of the season look dire.

For Latics this was a much improved performance. After a wobbly start to the campaign they move up the table to 18th and will be hoping to build on their progress with another home fixture against Birmingham City next Saturday.

Posted in Blackpool, Championship, Oriel Riera, Uncategorized, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Wigan’s winless run continues – Cardiff City 1 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on August 19, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Cardiff City Stadium

Cardiff City Stadium

Latics poor start to the season continued in the Welsh Capital as they were edged out 1-0 by an impressive Cardiff City.

A second half goal by former Latics loanee Nicky Maynard was enough to seal the points for the home team who have now moved up to second place in the Championship table.

Wigan’s winless run means that they have now slumped into the bottom four, with only local rivals Bolton keeping them out of the bottom three, but the overall performance was worthy of at least a point. The visitors had more shots and possession than the home team and they should have finished one of the many chances they created.

Uwe Rösler continues to rotate his squad in an attempt to get the elusive first win, and it looked as they would achieve it in a first half in which Marc-Antoine Fortune and Callum McManaman looked dangerous.

McManaman had a header tipped over by Cardiff keeper Marshall and generally tormented the defensive midfielder Mats Daehli. Fortune led the line effectively and posed a much greater threat than in previous performances.

Cardiff created opportunities of their own in an open first period with Aaron Gunnarsson having a shot saved by Scott Carson’s legs and Tom Adeyemi testing the Wigan keeper from range.

The hapless Daehli was replaced by Cardiff’s new £1m signing Anthony Pilkington at half time and McManaman continued to be a major threat in the opening stages of the second period.

Rob Kiernan had a powerful header well saved by David Marshall and just when it was looking like Wigan might take the lead Maynard struck. The former Bristol City striker swept the ball into net from close range following Kenwyne Jones’ header from a corner.

Rösler replaced Fortune and McManaman with Oriel Riera and Martyn Waghorn on 61 minutes in an attempt to get Latics back into the game.

Waghorn looked likely to draw Wigan level on 69 minutes when unmarked in the area but his effort went narrowly wide of the goal.

At the other end Kiernan produced an excellent last-ditch tackle to deny Maynard on the edge of the area.

James Tavernier replaced Andrew Taylor on 76 minutes and the former Rotherham man produced a series of crosses into the Cardiff area in an attempt to get the visitors back into the game.

Wigan’s inability to produce the final pass and finish was their downfall and the Bluebirds held out for a confidence boosting victory.

Despite the disappointing start to the season, now is not the time to panic. The performance and statistics support the view that Wigan were the better team, and with an improved display in front of goal, a rise up the Championship table is not far away.

Posted in Cardiff City, Championship, Nicky Maynard, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Wigan are out of luck at the Valley – Charlton Athletic 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on August 17, 2014 by ianhaspinall
Callum McManaman

Callum McManaman’s strike was not enough to save Latics

A late deflected goal by substitute Franck Moussa condemned Latics to an early season defeat by the Addicks.

The home team had taken the lead after only eight minutes with a long-range strike from Jordan Cousins.

Callum McManaman produced an excellent finish to draw Latics level before the interval.

It was Wigan’s first goal at the Valley in the fourth meeting between the clubs in London, but it was not enough as Moussa stunned Wigan in the 93rd minute. His shot from the edge of the area deflected off Rob Kiernan and looped agonizingly over keeper Scott Carson to give Charlton all three points.

The late winner led to an ugly row between Charlton boss Bob Peeters and Uwe Rösler in the technical area after the Belgian had celebrated the goal right in front of Rösler.

Latics had an early setback when in only the eighth minute Cousins collected Johann Gudmundsson’s pass and unleashed a terrific shot from outside the area and into the top corner of the Wigan net.

But it was not long before Latics were level as in the 22nd minute McManaman cut inside the full back and steered his low shot past Charlton keeper Stephen Henderson.

Loanee Emyr Huws fired over the crossbar from distance and Rhoys Wiggins had a shot well saved by Carson.

Neither side took control on the second half and the match was likely to end in stalemate until Moussa’s late deflected effort broke Wigan hearts.

It has been a disappointing start to the season for Latics with a home draw versus Reading, a Capital One Cup exit to League 2 Burton Albion and now defeat to Charlton. The club now face a difficult trip to Cardiff on Tuesday night but Rösler will be determined to get a positive response from his players.

Posted in Boob Peeters, Callum McManaman, Championship, Charlton Athletic, Franck Moussa, Jordan Cousins, Uwe Rösler, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

McArthur late show rescues a point for Latics – Wigan Athletic 2 Reading 2

Posted on August 10, 2014 by ianhaspinall

 

James McArthur Wigan Athletic

James McArthur late header

James McArthur’s 93rd minute equaliser salvaged a point for Wigan in their opening game of the 2014/15 season against Reading.

Callum McManaman had given the Latics a 27th minute lead but the Royals took control in the second half with goals by Shaun Cummings and Sean Morrison.

Uwe Rosler’s men refused to give in and the tireless McArthur was on hand to score from close range to deny the Royals.

Wigan had started the game nervously and Scott Carson had to be on top form to deny Ryan Edwards and then Latics striker Oriel Riera headed against his own post.

But Wigan took the lead on 27 minutes when Martyn Waghorn played in McManaman who chipped the ball over the advancing Reading keeper Adam Federici.

McManaman continued to pose a threat to the Royals but despite his good work Wigan were unable to increase their lead before half time.

Reading were the better team in the second period and it was no surprise when they equalised in the 70th minute following a good move on the edge of the area resulted in Cummings low drive beating Carson.

Poor defending allowed the Royals to take the lead on 76 minutes. From a free kick on the right, four Reading attackers were marked by only three Wigan defenders. The unmarked Pearce was therefore allowed the space to head back across goal and the advancing Morrison headed comfortably past Carson.

Reading looked to be in control and good value for the three points but Rosler’s men have a never say die attitude. From a long ball and flick on by McManaman, James McArthur was able to head home the equaliser much to the relief of the home fans.

With thanks to Kierenne Baldwin.

Posted in Callum McManaman, Championship, James McArthur, Reading, Sean Morrison, Wigan Athletic | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment