Let's Hang On

Escape with Alcaraz – Wigan Athletic 1 Norwich City 0

Posted on March 31, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Man of the Match Antolin Alcaraz

Antolin Alcaraz has had a profound effect on Wigan’s results since his return from a long-term injury. The Paraguayan international was outstanding in the Latics defence yesterday against Norwich City. He was so dominant that the Canaries were unable to muster a shot on target during the 94 minutes. He was imperious in the air and made numerous telling tackles to deny his opponents.

Wigan’s annual great escape is now very much on the cards after this vital 1-0 home victory. Ivorian striker Arouna Kone fired home the winner on 81 minutes after a defence splitting pass by midfielder Jordi Gomez. Wigan have edged themselves out of the bottom three and are now only four points behind Norwich with a game in hand.

Wigan had retained the same starting line-up from their last victory against Newcastle, but they always find games hard going after a round of international fixtures and this match was no exception. They lacked some of the vitality of recent matches and Norwich were defensively strong and denying any space in midfield.

The first half was a relatively dour affair with a lack of chances for both sides.

The second half continued in the same vein until Callum McManaman was replaced by James McArthur and the Scottish international midfielder had an instant impact on proceedings, winning a succession of important tackles and setting up possession for his colleagues.

The last twenty minutes was all Wigan, first a superb Alcaraz header was cleared off the line by Jonny Howson and then James McCarthy flashed a shot just wide of the post.

Shaun Maloney fired over the cross-bar after great work by Jean Beausejour, and Gomez was denied when Norwich defender Michael Turner threw himself in front of his shot.

In contrast Norwich rarely troubled Joel Robles in the Wigan goal and justice was done in the 81st minute when Latics took the lead.

Kone’s 10th Premier League goal of the season, and sixth in six matches in all competitions came after some good work by Maloney had set up Gomez. The former Barcelona youth player curled his pass between two Norwich defenders into the path of Kone who blasted his shot through the hands of despairing Norwich keeper Lee Camp.

Kone’s goalscoring and all round play since his return from the African Nations Cup has been a major reason for Wigan’s improvement and if it was not for the superb Alcaraz he would certainly have been the Man of the Match.

Latics now await the outcome of the Aston Villa v Liverpool and Fulham v QPR fixtures with interest, but they will be in good heart and a rich vein of form when they face QPR at Loftus Road in their next fixture.

Posted in Antolin Alcaraz, Arouna Kone, Norwich City, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Antolin Alcaraz, Arouna Kone, Norwich City, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

More teams drop into the relegation mixer – what are the prospects for survival?

Posted on March 21, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Under pressure Sunderland manager Martin O’Neil

After last weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures more teams have been dragged into the relegation dogfight. Newcastle, Sunderland and West Ham now have a fight on their hands if they are to retain their top flight status. Until recently these clubs must have felt that they were safe in mid table but a recent run of poor form and improved performances by the bottom five has put the pressure on.

Only seven points now separate Newcastle in 13th place and Wigan in 18th. With so many points still to play for there could be a significant change in league positions for some. Despite some pundits predictions that there would only be four of five teams involved, it now appears that more teams will be looking over their shoulders than they expected.

The pressure is certainly starting to show as the financial stakes for Premier League survival are now much higher with a lucrative £5.5 billion broadcasting deal to be shared between the clubs next season.

There are many factors influencing results, a lack of confidence, a run of injuries, tactical mistakes and managerial changes can all contribute towards the downward spiral.

Wigan’s involvement in the FA Cup and Newcastle’s in the Europa League which could have an impact on their league form. Some people will argue that continued involvement will be detrimental, but others can make a case that success breeds success and a winning team will be more confident going into their final league games.

The bottom eight teams have now played 30 games apart from West Ham and Wigan who have only played 29.

Premier League Table at 22/03/13

Pos P GD Pts

13 Newcastle 30 -11 33
14 West Ham 29 -11 33
15 Sunderland 30 -9 31
16 Soton 30 -10 31
17 Aston Villa 30 -25 30
18 Wigan 29 -21 27
19 Reading 30 -22 23
20 QPR 30 -22 23

Remaining fixtures

Newcastle – Man City A, Fulham H, Sunderland H, West Brom A, Liverpool H, West Ham A, QPR A, Arsenal H

West Ham – West Brom H, Liverpool A, Southampton A, Man Utd H, Wigan H, Man City A, Newcastle H, Everton A, Reading H

Sunderland – Man Utd H, Chelsea A, Newcastle A, Everton H, Aston Villa A, Stoke H, Southampton H, Spurs A

Southampton – Chelsea H, Reading A, West Ham H, Swansea A, West Brom H, Spurs A, Sunderland A, Stoke H

Aston Villa – Liverpool H, Stoke A, Fulham H, Man Utd A, Sunderland H, Norwich A, Chelsea H, Wigan A

Wigan – Norwich H, QPR A, Man City A, West Ham A, Spurs H, West Brom A, Swansea H, Arsenal A, Aston Villa H

Reading – Arsenal A, Southampton H, Liverpool H, Norwich A, QPR H, Fulham A, Man City H, West Ham A

QPR – Fulham A, Wigan H, Everton A, Stoke H, Reading A, Arsenal H, Newcastle H, Liverpool A

Having looked at the teams involved and scrutinised the remaining fixtures I am going to stick my neck out and make some predictions.

Prospects for survival

Newcastle United

The Magpies have had a mixed season with some very good results and some unexpected defeats. They have come through one major injury crisis by recruiting from France in the transfer window but they still have several key men sidelined. They have made it to the quarter finals of the Europa League and have a chance to progress further if they can overcome Benfica.

Alan Pardew in serious trouble?

Both the quarter finals and semi finals are two-legged affairs and if they get through to the final they would have an extra five games to play, which could impact on their league form. However, getting beyond the Portuguese league leaders will be a difficult task so it may not become an issue.

If they can keep the majority of their squad fit, they should have enough quality to maintain their Premier League status and even push higher into mid table. Prediction mid table safety.

West Ham United

Big Sam in the mixer

The Hammers looked comfortable in mid table but a run of only three wins from fourteen league games has seen them slip down the league. Manager Sam Allardyce will point to injuries to key players such as skipper Kevin Nolan, midfielder Mark Noble and recent signing Joe Cole and suggest that their return should lead to an upturn in results.

Looking at their forthcoming fixtures I think they may still slip a little further, but they should accumulate just enough points to survive in a precarious 17th spot.

Sunderland

Sunderland performed poorly against Norwich in their last home fixture and they have not won for seven games. O’Neil has admitted that his players are lacking in confidence following their poor run of form.

On paper their next four fixtures look particularly difficult as they face Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton. The remaining four fixtures are against two other relegation threatened clubs Aston Villa and Southampton who will be battling for survival, plus Spurs and Stoke.

Martin O’Neil has struggled to revive the fortunes of the Black Cats and the absence of his long-term assistant John Robertson seems to have limited his effectiveness. If their current form continues and the lower placed teams continue to pick up points Sunderland could be one of the three teams to go down. Prediction 18th.

Southampton

I’m a fan of Nigel Adkins and believe he was treated dreadfully by Southampton’s Chairman Nicola Cortese. The Saints were in a reasonable position to stay up when Adkins was sacked and their position has not improved significantly since new manager Mauricio Pochettino took over the reins. They are currently in 16th spot with eight games remaining.

Pensive Pochettino

Despite the unfortunate circumstances of his arrival I have been impressed with Pochettino’s tactics since he took over. They are one of the best sides I have seen at the DW Stadium this season and Wigan were lucky to snatch a late point against them. Southampton play a high line and press their opponents all over the pitch.

Their narrow defeat against Manchester United and wins against Manchester City and Liverpool show that the style of play can be very effective. With the highest scoring Englishman, 13 goal Ricky Lambert leading the line, I think they can go on to finish comfortably in mid table.

Aston Villa

Worrying times for Paul Lambert

It’s been a difficult season for manager Paul Lambert, when he took over a Villa Park I’m sure he expected to have some challenges following his move from Norwich, but nothing on the scale of the relegation battle he now faces.

His team has been near the bottom of the league for most of the season and suffered a particularly desperate Christmas period when they conceded a total of 15 goals in the matches against Chelsea, Spurs and Wigan. Their league problems were also compounded by their failure to overcome Division 2 Bradford City in a two leg League Cup semi final.

One of Villa’s problems has been the naive defending from their young back line and they will have to eradicate the regular mistakes if they are to survive. Going forward Villa can be a threat with attacking players such as Andreas Weimann, Gabby Agbonlahor and Charles N’Zogbia. But Villa’s most important player is Christian Benteke and if the prolific striker remains fit I think they will have enough to beat the drop. Prediction 15th.

Wigan

Roberto Martinez keeping calm

Wigan’s progress this season has been marred by a series of injuries to key defenders, Antolin Alcaraz has been out for most of the season and has only just returned to the side, Ivan Ramis is out for the rest of the season and Gary Caldwell, Adrian Lopez and Emmerson Boyce have all had spells out.

To compound this further, midfielders Ben Watson, Ryo Miyaichi and James McArthur have had long spells out and top scorer Arouna Kone has been away on African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast. It is fair to say that all clubs suffer from injuries at some point during a season but Wigan seemed to have suffered more than most.

With nine league games remaining it does appear as though the Latics are now hitting some good form. A superb 3-0 win at Everton in the FA Cup was followed by a hard-fought 2-1 win at home to Newcastle. Next up are Norwich at home and then QPR away, and four points from these fixtures should put them in a good position going into the FA Cup semi final.

Roberto Martinez is one of the calmest managers around and his experience in previous relegation battles should be invaluable. Looking at the remaining fixtures, if they can keep everyone fit, they will gain enough points to be playing Premier League football again next season. Prediction 16th.

Reading

Brian McDermott out of a job

Reading’s decision to sack manager Brian McDermott with only nine games remaining does seem a strange one as McDermott always had a difficult job trying to keep the Royals up with ostensibly a Championship squad. Caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan’s first game was a creditable 1-0 defeat away at Manchester United.

Reading had been in negotiations with Brighton manager Gus Poyet, but the former Chelsea player has turned down the opportunity to take charge at the Madejski Stadium. Whoever does takeover the role will require a miraculous run of results to turn things around. Prediction 20th.

QPR

Queens Park Rangers have been at the bottom of the table for most of the season and have won just four of their 30 matches this campaign. They are seven points from safety and their manager Harry Redknapp admits his team have a mountain to climb if they are to beat the drop. He has said recently that they require five wins from their remaining eight games to survive.

Harry’s in need of a miracle

Despite both previous manager Mark Hughes and Redknapp spending heavily in the transfer market the results have been poor. They have some expensive and highly paid players in the ranks but the side hasn’t gelled sufficiently well. I can see the Hoops picking up some more wins before the end of the season, but it won’t be enough to keep them up. Prediction 19th.

Posted in Alan Pardew, Aston Villa, Brian McDermott, Gus Poyet, Harry Redknapp, Martin O'Neil, Mauricio Pochettino, Newcastle United, Paul Lambert, QPR, Reading, Roberto Martinez, Sam Allardyce, Southampton, Sunderland, West Ham United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Alan Pardew, Aston Villa, Brian McDermott, Gus Poyet, Harry Redknapp, Martin O'Neil, Mauricio Pochettino, Newcastle, Paul Lambert, QPR, Reading, Roberto Martinez, Sam Allardyce, Southampton, Sunderland, West Ham United, Wigan Athletic | 2 Comments

Wigan ride their luck to secure a vital three points – Wigan Athletic 2 Newcastle United 1

Posted on March 17, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Arouna Kone scored a late winner against Newcastle

Latics secured a crucial victory in their quest for Premier League survival with a 90th minute goal by Arouna Kone. Jean Beausejour had given them the lead in the first half but Newcastle equalised in the second half through Davide Santon before Wigan’s controversial late winner. James McCarthy’s corner appeared to be handled by Maynor Figueroa and a goalmouth melee ensued before Kone finished from close range.

Wigan are now within three points of relegation rivals Aston Villa who occupy 17th spot and four points behind Southampton and Sunderland in 16th and 15th places.

The result was crucial if Wigan were to have a realistic chance of escaping the drop and they started the first half were they had left off against Everton in the FA Cup.

Wigan had retained the same line-up from their FA Cup success and their three-pronged attack of league debutant Callum McManaman, Arouna Kone and Shaun Maloney immediately posed problems for the Magpies back line.

It was McManaman who created the first goal on 18 minutes when his jinking run and cross set up Jean Beausejour who side footed home through the Newcastle keeper Elliot’s legs from eight yards out to give Latics the lead.

More chances followed as they dominated the half, Shaun Maloney had an excellent effort well saved by Elliot and only a last-ditch challenge from Jonas Gutierrez denied James McCarthy adding a second.

Newcastle’s only chance of the first period came when Steven Taylor headed Sylvain Marveaux’s corner straight at Latics league debutant keeper Joel Robles.

The major controversy of the half came when McManaman clashed with Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara. The young Liverpudlian striker initially clipped the ball but his mistimed follow through into Haidara’s knee had the Frenchmen carried off with serious ligament damage. Referee Mark Halsey who was about ten yards from the incident awarded Newcastle a free kick but did not book McManaman. The challenge was certainly reckless and was the result of a desperate attempt to win the ball rather than a deliberate attempt to injure an opponent.

But as the players left the pitch for the interval Newcastle’s coaching staff reacted angrily to McManaman and subsequently both Wigan’s first-team coach Graham Barrow and Newcastle coach John Carver were sent to the stands for the second period.

Immediately after the break Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa denied McManaman as Wigan continued to look threatening. But the young striker had to be withdrawn soon afterwards with an injury and the team seemed to lose some momentum.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew moved to a three-man defence and this allowed Santon to venture further forward down the right. It was the Italian full back who drew the Magpies level with 18 minutes remaining following a clever pass by Papiss Cisse after Paul Scharner had given away possession in midfield.

As the match moved towards full-time it looked as though Wigan would be unable to get the all important winner but goal poacher Kone popped up in the box to score his fifth goal in five matches and give Wigan an invaluable three points in their fight against relegation.

Posted in Arouna Kone, Davide Santon, Jean Beausejour, Newcastle United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Arouna Kone, Davide Santon, Jean Beausejour, Newcastle, Wigan Athletic | 10 Comments

Wigan’s FA Cup semi final date and time confirmed

Posted on March 15, 2013 by ianhaspinall

FA Cup semi final date confirmed

Wigan Athletic’s historic FA Cup semi final date with Millwall has now been confirmed by the Football Association as Saturday 13 April with a 5.15pm kick off.

Most Latics fans will prefer the Saturday game as it will give them plenty of time to travel down on the day. The only problem may arise if the match goes to extra time which would mean a late finish and some possible transport difficulties.

The club have been allocated 31,863 seats in the East End of Wembley Stadium, with adult tickets available from £30.00, £40.00, £50.00 and £60.00, with a £10.00 reduction in each area for concessions.

When tickets go on sale, Wigan Athletic Season Ticket Holders will each be eligible to purchase three tickets per season ticket.

Full details including on sale dates will be confirmed next week on the Wigan Athletic website.

Posted in FA Cup, Millwall, Wigan Athletic | Tagged FA Cup, Millwall, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Wigan are in dreamland – Everton 0 Wigan Athletic 3 – FA Cup Quarter Final

Posted on March 10, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Wembley beckons for the Latics

Wigan are in dreamland after they produced a stunning 3-0 victory over Everton to reach their first ever FA Cup semi final. An incredible three goals in the space of three first half minutes swung the game inexorably in Wigan’s favour. Maynor Figueroa headed home from a Jordi Gomez corner before Callum McManaman and Gomez completed the rout to send Wigan’s 2,500 travelling fans into delirium.

Wigan may not have the superstars of some other clubs but their players showed great character and determination to reach Wembley when they outplayed higher placed opposition on their own patch.

Right from the kick off it was Wigan who took the game to Everton. As early as the 10th minute Shaun Maloney curled a sweet effort onto the right hand post with Everton keeper Jan Mucha frozen to the spot and soon afterwards Arouna Kone headed over from six yards out after good work by Maloney.

Everton had a couple of half chances through Sylvain Distin and Nikica Jelavic but the tide was in Wigan’s favour and they deservedly took the lead on 30 minutes when Figueroa headed home at the back post after a deep corner by Gomez.

Within a minute Wigan went two ahead when a poor pass by Phil Neville let in Callum McManaman and the former Everton schoolboy player finished with great aplomb.

Latics were in complete control and they put the tie beyond Everton a minute later when Gomez sublimely side footed the ball past Mucha after being well set up by Kone.

For a moment there was a feeling of disbelief amongst the Wigan fans, could they really be winning 3-0 at Everton after 33 minutes and heading to Wembley? But reality soon dawned that they would indeed be heading to a historic first ever FA Cup semi final.

At half time the shell-shocked Everton manager David Moyes sent on an extra striker Victor Anichebe in a desperate attempt to get back into the game but it was a forlorn effort as Wigan maintained their grip on proceedings. Shaun Maloney was a constant threat twisting and turning Everton’s defenders inside out. In stark contrast Wigan’s defenders and on loan reserve keeper Joel Robles were imperious.

Just before full-time Everton did have a Kevin Mirallas goal disallowed for offside and substitute Ross Barkley fired wide from a good position, but by then Wigan’s progress to the semi final had already been confirmed.

Some commentators may point to Everton having an off day but a much more accurate analysis would be to give Wigan full credit for what was a superb team performance.

Latics had been the better side throughout the 94 minutes and thoroughly deserved to progress to what will be a very special occasion.

It is a fantastic achievement for a small town club with relatively limited resources to get to an FA Cup semi final. Roberto Martinez, his players and coaching staff deserve all the plaudits after such a brilliant display.

Wigan now face an intriguing game against Dave Whelan’s former club Blackburn Rovers or Millwall. The semi final against either of these Championship sides must give Latics a great chance of reaching the FA Cup final.

Posted in Callum McManaman, Everton, FA Cup, Jordi Gomez, Maynor Figueroa, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Callum McManaman, Everton, FA Cup, Jordi Gomez, Maynor Figueroa, Wigan Athletic | Leave a comment

Wigan’s defensive frailties exposed by rampant Reds – Wigan Athletic 0 Liverpool 4

Posted on March 3, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Luis Suarez – unlikable but effective

A rare headed goal by Stewart Downing and a Luis Suarez hat-trick gave Liverpool a comfortable 4-0 victory and kept Wigan on the edge of the drop zone. It was a combination of clinical finishing combined with Latics poor defending that gave the Merseysiders the valuable three points.

In only the 2nd minute good work by Brazilian Phillipe Coutinho created the opportunity for Downing and the former Middlesbrough player headed only his second ever goal for Liverpool.

It was a shocking set back for Wigan but things got worse in the 18th minute when Coutinho combined with Suarez and the prolific Uruguayan slotted the ball past Ali Al Habsi.

Going forward Wigan had looked dangerous but defensively they were in disarray. The discontent was exemplified by Emmerson Boyce and James McArthur squaring up to each other after Suarez had been played in on goal following a sloppy back pass by Gary Caldwell.

The game was effectively over as a contest on 34 minutes when Suarez free-kick was deflected off Shaun Maloney’s head onto the post and beyond Al Habsi in the Wigan goal.

Wigan’s luck was clearly out and the shell-shocked players went into the break knowing that it would require a minor miracle for them to get anything from the game.

Early in the second half Liverpool compounded their dominance by adding a fourth. Glen Johnson was allowed space down the right hand side and the England full back played in Suarez, who scored through the legs of Al Habsi.

Wigan did not give up however, and it is to their credit that they continued to play progressive football and created some chances.

Pepe Reina was in fine form throughout and the keeper produced good saves to keep out a Maloney header and to deny Arouna Kone. Add these to the superb saves from Boyce and Franco Di Santo in the first half and the score could have been much closer.

Overall Wigan had 26 shots compared to Liverpool’s 15 but the main difference was the quality of Luis Suarez’s finishing. The controversial South American striker has now scored five goals in the two games between the two sides and Wigan will be relieved that they do not have to face him again this season.

The result gives Roberto Martinez plenty of food for thought for the ongoing fight against relegation and the forthcoming FA cup quarter-final at Everton. Wigan’s normally reliable midfielders James McCarthy and James McArthur had an off day and the defence looked vulnerable throughout.

Wigan’s home form this season has been disappointing and defensive mistakes all too common. If they are to stay up they must start to win at home and eradicate the sloppy defending that has blighted their game.

Martinez may well tweak his defensive line up at Goodison with Golobart and Alcaraz in contention, and if the change is successful it could well become the template for the remaining league fixtures.

Posted in Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Stewart Downing, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Stewart Downing, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Time for Wigan Athletic fans to back the team to make FA Cup history

Posted on February 28, 2013 by ianhaspinall

The FA Cup

Wigan Athletic are one game away from a historic FA Cup semi final at Wembley when they face Everton on Saturday 9th March and all Wiganers are being encouraged to support their team at Goodison Park.

Latics have been allocated the Lower Bullens Stand and Paddock areas of the ground and tickets are available to Season Ticket Holders from £27 for Adults with discounts for Under 16 yrs and Over 65 yrs and Non Season Ticket Holders for £32 for Adults with discounts for Under 16 yrs and Over 65 yrs.

The game is being televised live, but the team needs a strong presence and vocal support if they are to get to Wembley. The more fans that make the trip to Goodison will give the players a boost for what will be, for some, the biggest game of their careers.

Everton occupy a top six slot in the Premier League and are a very difficult team to beat at home but it is a far from impossible task as Latics have beaten the top teams away from home before.

Wigan have one of the top young managers in the country with Roberto Martinez and the team are now starting to show the quality that we know they are capable of. But if they are to pull off a famous victory they will need the support of as many supporters as possible.

Everton will be pleased if Wigan don’t have loud and passionate fans, they will prefer the away following to be as quiet as possible. The fans need to show up in significant numbers and sing the team to a first ever FA Cup semi final.

Roberto Martinez said today:

The FA Cup is a historic opportunity and we know that the fans are going to give us an incredible backing when we go to Everton.

Let’s prove that his faith in us has been justified, get your tickets now for what could be a momentous day in the history of Wigan Athletic Football Club.

Book your tickets online or telephone 0871 66 33 552, or in person at the DW Stadium.

Posted in Everton, FA Cup, Roberto Martinez, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Everton, FA Cup, Roberto Martinez, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Fantastic Latics stun the Royals – Reading 0 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on February 24, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Arouna Kone grabs a brace at Reading

An outstanding team performance gave Wigan a comfortable 3-0 victory against relegation rivals Reading at the Madejski Stadium. Two goals by Arouna Kone and another by Maynor Figueroa rounded off a fantastic day for the Latics fans.

Roberto Martinez welcomed Emmerson Boyce to the starting line-up in place of Ronnie Stam and Antolin Alcaraz made the bench for the first time since his injury way back in September. Reading manager Brian McDermott decided to play Sean Morrision instead of Alex Pearce in defence.

With Reading already two points ahead of Wigan in the table, both managers would have been well aware that a Royals win would give them a five point lead over the Latics.

Both teams started tentatively with Reading playing five across midfield and Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak ploughing a lone furrow up front. Wigan had a more flexible attacking formation with Kone and Franco Di Santo well supported by Shaun Maloney.

Any Royals fans hoping for home onslaught were to be disappointed as Latics showed their intentions early in the game. Franco Di Santo could have given them the lead as early as the 5th minute when he drove towards the Reading goal before unleashing a powerful low drive which Adam Federici did well to turn around the post for a corner.

Jimmy Kebe did pose an initial threat on the right hand side and he flashed a shot into the Wigan side netting and Paul Scharner provided a timely interception to deny Pogrebnyak before Wigan managed to take a firm grip on proceedings.

Just before half time Wigan took control by scoring two goals in the space of just two minutes. On 44 minutes Gary Caldwell met a Jean Beausejour corner and knocked the ball towards Figueroa and the Honduran’s header was chested into the Reading net by Kone. TV replays showed there was a suspicion of hand ball by Caldwell but a minute later Wigan were two ahead.

Di Santo fed Beausejour in his own half and the Chilean wing back played a sublime cross field pass to Kone and who took the ball forward into the box before chipping the ball over Federici and into the net.

Early in the second half Wigan carved open the Reading defence to cement the three points. Figueroa played a neat one two with Di Santo on the edge of the Reading box before the Honduran defender nutmegged the advancing Reading keeper.

Soon afterwards a petulant Pavel Pogrebnyak was rightly red carded when he stamped on Figueroa on the half way line. The referee took his time to give the card but it appeared that he was checking with the fourth official before determining the severity of the Russian’s punishment.

The game was effectively over as a contest and Wigan proceeded to dominate possession and pass the home team into submission. Reading could not manage to summon a shot on target throughout the 90 minutes much to the chagrin of the home supporters.

Franco Di Santo nearly added a fourth goal but he couldn’t quite reach a fine whipped cross by Emmerson Boyce. Figueroa and substitute Jordi Gomez also brought full stretch saves from Federici as Wigan went in search of more goals.

It was perhaps surprising that Wigan were unable to add to their tally given their supremacy. However, prior to the game most fans would not have expected such a thoroughly dominant display.

This result and the failure of their rivals takes Wigan out of the bottom three and above QPR, Reading and Aston Villa. The result was critical but the quality of this performance can only give the players increased confidence that they can put together another winning run to secure their top flight status.

Posted in Arouna Kone, Maynor Figueroa, Reading, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Arouna Kone, Maynor Figueroa, Reading, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

McManaman magic eases Wigan into the FA Cup quarter finals – Huddersfield Town 1 Wigan Athletic 4

Posted on February 18, 2013 by ianhaspinall

Full time score at the John Smith’s Stadium

An outstanding first half display by Callum McManaman eased Wigan into the quarter finals of the FA Cup for only the second time in their history with an emphatic 4-1 victory at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday. The 21-year-old former Everton trainee scored the first goal and was instrumental in Arouna Kone’s second as the Latics took a firm grip of proceedings in the opening 45 minutes. Two further goals by James McArthur and Kone sealed a thoroughly professional performance by the away team.

Roberto Martinez continued with his strategy to rest his key players in the cup competitions and made seven changes from the recent Premier League fixture against Chelsea. Huddersfield had new manager Mark Robins making his debut in the dugout and looking to make an instant impact by creating a cup upset.

The Huddersfield Giants versus Wigan Warriors Rugby League game had taken place at the Stadium only 24 hours earlier and it must have concerned the Wigan manager that the uneven surface might have a detrimental effect on Latics normal passing game.

However, the concerns were unfounded as Wigan were able to move the ball around with some ease despite the bobbly surface. With Paul Scharner, Roman Golobart and Maynor Figueroa standing firm in defence and James McArthur, Fraser Fyvie and Roger Espinoza industrious in midfield Wigan had a platform to build the victory.

Wigan always looked sharp and as early as the fifth minute Jordi Gomez headed just over from a good position after excellent work by McManaman. The Liverpool born striker was a constant threat down the left hand side and it was no surprise when he gave Wigan the lead in the 30th minute.

James McArthur played an incisive pass inside the Huddersfield full back and McManaman turned his marker inside out before curling his shot past the Huddersfield keeper Alex Smithies.

Latics doubled their lead on 40 minutes when McManaman got to the by line before pulling the ball back to Gomez whose shot was blocked by Smithies but the ball fell to Arouna Kone who tapped the ball over the line from close range. Their was a suspicion of offside about the goal but it was no more than Wigan deserved after they had dominated the half.

The game was effectively over on 55 minutes when Wigan scored their third following an exquisite passing movement between McManaman, Gomez and McArthur. The Scottish international struck an unstoppable effort from 18 yards past the helpless Huddersfield keeper.

Wigan were comfortably in control, but on 61 minutes the Terriers pulled a goal back. Callum Woods produced a deep penetrative cross and substitute Lee Novak rose high above Figueroa to head powerfully past Joel Robles in the Wigan goal.

The home team did have a spell of possession but rarely threatened another goal. Wigan were excellent in possession and their constant movement caused numerous problems for the Huddersfield back line.

However, it was some sloppy Huddersfield defending which gifted Wigan a fourth goal and sealed their progress into the quarter finals to face either Everton or Oldham Athletic. Smithies played the ball out to Anthony Gerrard on the edge of his own box but the defender seemed to switch off momentarily and allowed Kone to dispossess him before the Ivorian fired an unstoppable shot high into the Huddersfield net.

This cup victory and the manner in which it was achieved will have given the team a huge confidence boost and it could be just the catalyst they need to reinvigorate their fight against relegation. The excellent progress of fringe players such as McManaman, Golobart and Fyvie in the cup can only be beneficial and create greater competition for starting places in the upcoming Premier League fixtures.

Posted in Arouna Kone, Callum McManaman, Huddersfield Town, James McArthur, Lee Novak, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Arouna Kone, Callum McManaman, Huddersfield Town, James McArthur, Lee Novak, Wigan Athletic | 5 Comments

Not always the beautiful game – football and fashion

Posted on February 15, 2013 by ianhaspinall

80’s style Chris Waddle

A new exhibition at the National Football Museum in Manchester surveys the cultural changes taking place in football fashion since the 1960’s. ‘Strike A Pose: 50 Years of Football and Fashion’ runs until 27th August, visit www.nationalfootballmuseum.com for full details of opening times.

The 1960’s started the revolution in style, youth culture and football as Kevin Moore, National Football Museum Director identifies,

“Ever since the footballers wage cap was lifted in 1961, fashion has gripped the football world. From the lavish style of the super-rich footballer to the average fan braving the cold winter afternoon on the terraces, fashion has had its say.”

George Best and Mike Summerbee

The acknowledged style icon of football and fashion George Best is celebrated, while at the other end of the spectrum are Liverpool FC’s infamous white suits and Chris Waddle’s mullet and check sports jacket combo.

Liverpool's lovely white suits for the 1996 FA Cup Final

Liverpool FC’s white suits for the 1996 FA Cup Final

The first Manchester United superstar and fifth Beatle George Best has his own dedicated section showcasing his stylish sixties clobber sold at his Manchester store, but it is the footballers many fashion faux pas which attract the eye.

The serious sartorial own goals include David Seaman’s multi coloured England goalkeepers jersey and the many outfits of the eccentric Mario Balotelli.

A special collage of footballers hairstyles centres on the Ralph Coates comb over and dishonourable mentions must go to Jason Lee’s Pineapple dreadlocks and Kevin Keegan’s Curly perm.

In contrast the black and white photography of Terry O’Neill captures some of the beautiful game’s legends. Highlights include a portrait of a young, thoughtful Paul Gascoigne and a dapper Peter Osgood.

Terrace style and culture movements are clearly identified with displays of mods, skinheads and casuals.

Terrace fashion for some

The close relationship between football and fashion is well evidenced in the different cultural tribes that have frequented the matches up to the modern-day.

Strike A Pose’s other items include a Victoria Beckham inspired dress, and outfits loaned from Sol Campbell, Gianluca Vialli and Joleon Lescott.

This is a thoroughly recommended exhibition if you want to see the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in football fashion.

Posted in Chris Waddle, Football and Fashion, George Best, Liverpool white suits, Mario Balotelli, National Football Museum, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Chris Waddle, Football and Fashion, George Best, Liverpool White Suits, Mario Balotelli, National Football Museum | 1 Comment