Let's Hang On

United’s win is all too predictable – Wigan Athletic 0 Manchester United 4

Posted on January 2, 2013 by ianhaspinall

£24m man Robin Van Persie

Manchester United eased past a weary looking Wigan Athletic on New Year’s Day with a brace each for strikers Robin Van Persie and Javier Hernandez providing the routine victory. The Latics have now conceded eight goals against the league leaders in their last two meetings and overall they have only once beaten United in sixteen league fixtures.

But given the disparity in resources available, is it really so surprising that United win so comfortably? Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is now valued in the region of £385m and Robin Van Persie alone is valued at £24m, costing more than the whole of the Wigan side put together.

Wigan did cause an upset last season by defeating United 1-0 and disrupting their title challenge but nine times out of ten United will take the three points. The financial gap between United, Manchester City and Chelsea is now so great that a Wigan victory against the top three is becoming less and less likely.

United were able to rotate and rest their squad for every game over the hectic Christmas period while Wigan have had to use nearly all the same players in every fixture. United have a huge depth to their squad while Wigan, still struggling with injuries, have a limited number of quality players to pick from.

Latics did manage to hold United until the 35th minute but the inevitable first goal came when Patrice Evra’s angled shot was parried by Ali Al Habsi into the path of Javier Hernandez and the Mexican slotted home from close range.

It was not too long before Robin Van Persie doubled their lead following a good pass from Hernandez. The Dutchman turned Ivan Ramis and Gary Caldwell in the box before curling his right foot shot inside the far post.

A 2-0 half time score line was about right, with United continuing their onslaught on the Wigan goal in the second half. The home team struggled to put together any counter attacking moves until the 58th minute when Arouna Kone had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside following a sharp pass from Franco Di Santo.

But normal service was resumed on 63 minutes when Hernandez reacted quickly to score the Reds’ third after Van Persie’s free kick had hit the Wigan defensive wall.

Chris Smalling should have been dismissed when as the last defender he pulled back Kone, but referee Andre Marriner only gave the United substitute a yellow card. The decision was yet another example of the inconsistent refereeing that Wigan have had to contend with this season. Jordi Gomez fired the resulting free kick just inches wide of the angle of post and cross-bar.

In the dying minutes United were gifted a fourth when Jean Beausejour and Emmerson Boyce got in each others way and the ball fell to Danny Welbeck who crossed for Van Persie to slot home his second goal.

The result once again highlighted the growing gap between the footballing super powers and the rest. This growing financial gap is an increasingly unhealthy one and the football authorities need to quickly address the issue if the Premier League wants to be a true competition.

The huge discrepancy in resources is typified by Latics latest loan signing from United, the young Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez is way down the pecking order at Old Trafford yet he is likely to go straight into the Wigan team as cover for Arouna Kone during the African Cup of Nations.

Apart from the fans of the three biggest three clubs, I’m sure that most football supporters would prefer a more equal baseline from which to compete in the league and also one in which the league winners do not always come from the same three clubs.

Posted in Javier Hernandez, Manchester United, Robin Van Persie, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Javier Hernandez, Manchester United, Robin Van Persie, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Wigan are singing in the rain – Aston Villa 0 Wigan Athletic 3

Posted on December 29, 2012 by ianhaspinall

Grey skies over Villa Park

Wigan recorded their first win in seven games with a comfortable 3-0 win against an Aston Villa side who have now conceded 15 goals in the last three games and are sliding towards relegation.

The returning Ivan Ramis gave Wigan the lead in only the third minute when he rose unchallenged to head home a corner by Jean Beausejour. Villa are going through a torrid time with heavy defeats against Chelsea (8-0) and Spurs (4-0) and this was the worst possible start for an inexperienced team. However it was a huge confidence booster for Wigan who had not been getting the results their performances had deserved.

Latics were immediately on top and Shaun Maloney should have been awarded a penalty when he had his legs taken from under him in the box by Stephen Ireland but as in the recent Everton game he was inexplicably denied by the referee.

The away side were bossing possession and Villa looked remarkably uncomfortable for a Premier League outfit, their lack of inexperience was far all too see as Wigan camped in the Villa half.

Shaun Maloney and Arouna Kone both blazed shots over the cross bar in the opening 15 minutes and Latics could have been three ahead in the opening half hour.

Wigan did lose their impetus towards half time and Villa nearly drew level when Christian Benteke had a goal disallowed because Andreas Weimann was in an offside position. Brett Holman also went close for Villa before the break when the Australian fired against the cross bar from close range.

But early in the second half Wigan took a firm grip of proceedings after a sublime piece of attacking play. Emmerson Boyce surged forward and played an intricate one-two with Arouna Kone before placing his low shot into the corner of the Villa goal.

Wigan increased their lead in the 56th minute when Kone got in on the scoresheet as he took a through pass from Franco Di Santo before rounding the Villa keeper and finishing from a tight angle.

At 3-0 the game was effectively over, but Paul Lambert made a triple substitution in an attempt to gain some respectability, with El Ahmadi, Bowery and Albrighton replacing Ireland, Holman and Lichaj.

Villa proceeded to launch high balls into the Wigan area but Ramis, Caldwell and Figueroa coped admirably and the home side were denied any clear cut opportunities.

Wigan had a couple of good opportunities on the counter attack and should have added to their tally, but a 0-3 away win was a very pleasing and much needed result.

Despite the dreadful weather and poor road conditions the Latics fans were in jubilant mood as they made their way back up the M6 to Wigan. The team had climbed out of the relegation places and above Villa to 16th place in the table.

Posted in Arouna Kone, Aston Villa, Emmerson Boyce, Ivan Ramis, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Arouna Kone, Aston Villa, Emmerson Boyce, Ivan Ramis, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

When being good is just not enough – Everton 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on December 27, 2012 by ianhaspinall

Referee Lee Mason

Despite putting in another good performance and matching Everton throughout the 94 minutes, Wigan came away from Goodison Park without any points. Once again the Latics were on the receiving end of some abysmal refereeing decisions by Lee Mason.

With the score at 1-0 to the home side Wigan had a clear penalty denied when Shaun Maloney was tripped by Leon Osman in the box. The referee was well positioned and it appeared to be a straight forward call but he waved away appeals despite close attention from Maloney and Jean Beasejour. It was to be the turning point in the game and if Wigan don’t start to get these decisions in their favour then the conspiracy theorists will have a field day.

Injury ravaged Wigan had Gary Caldwell returning to the back three alongside Maynor Figueroa and Emmerson Boyce. Arouna Kone was the lone striker with Wigan loading the midfield. Everton had Thomas Hitzlsperger making a rare start in midfield and Victor Anichebe leading the forward line.

Both sides struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first half with the teams sharing possession 50/50. The major talking point for Wigan’s Banana clad and fancy dress following was the poor officiating from Lee Mason. In particular how Darron Gibson, who had been sent off in his previous game, had avoided a booking. The former Manchester United player committed two bookable offences in quick succession but the referee failed to caution him for either. It was perhaps not surprising that David Moyes decided to withdraw him at half time.

Everton upped their game early in the second half and Thomas Hitzelsperger crashed a thirty yard effort onto the Wigan cross-bar and they had a huge stroke of luck on 53 minutes when Osman’s left foot shot was cruelly deflected off Gary Caldwell’s arm to give them the lead.

Despite the set back Wigan surged forward to create an equaliser but it was evident that their luck had once again deserted them when the referee failed to award a penalty when Maloney was clearly brought down.

Kone had a close range shot blocked by Phil Neville before Everton went two ahead following a short corner on 77 minutes. Neville was allowed too much space to cross and Phil Jagielka rose high above Caldwell to power his header into the top corner.

Arouna Kone grabbed a goal back on 83 minutes following a scramble in the Everton box. Di Santo’s blocked shot spun high into the air before Kone out muscled three Everton defenders and then poked the ball past Tim Howard to give Everton a nervy last ten minutes.

In the post match press conference Roberto Martinez was inevitably disappointed with referee Mason and in particular the penalty decision. It was telling to hear that Everton manager David Moyes also felt a penalty should have been awarded.

Moyes also said afterwards: “Wigan are a good team, they don’t get the credit they deserve for how they play, and this is a good win (for Everton).”

Yes it was another good performance by Wigan but it is worrying that we are not getting the results we deserve.

The games are now coming thick and fast and we now go to Villa Park on Saturday for what is already looking like a must win fixture.

Posted in Arouna Kone, Everton, Leon Osman, Phil Jagielka, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Arouna Kone, Everton, Leon Osman, Phil Jagielka, Wigan Athletic | 5 Comments

Controversial decisions consign Wigan to another defeat – Wigan Athletic 0 Arsenal 1

Posted on December 23, 2012 by ianhaspinall

Despite producing a battling performance at a rain-soaked DW stadium, Wigan were thwarted by a resurgent Arsenal. The away side were awarded a controversial penalty in the 60th minute when Theo Walcott went down in the box after a challenge by Jean Beausejour. There was minimal contact by the Chilean but the England striker made sure that the referee had a decision to make. It was a very debatable decision by referee Jon Moss, who had a desperately poor game throughout, with some bizarre decisions incensing the home crowd.

Wigan’s injury crisis continues to hamper their progress and on this occasion they were without four established centre backs. Manager Martinez decided to go with a 4-4-2 formation with Maynor Figueroa joining captain Emmerson Boyce in the centre and regular wing backs Ronnie Stam and Jean Beausejour adopting a more conventional full back role.

Arsenal went into the game at full strength and in good form after Monday night’s 5-2 rout of struggling Reading. Despite the discrepancy in resources the Latics matched the Gunners all over the park in a close fought encounter.

The Wigan pitch was in surprisingly good condition despite the torrential rain and both sides created some good goal scoring opportunities in the opening minutes.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain drew a fine left-handed save from Ali Al Habsi at the near post but the home side had the best opportunity of the first half when Arouna Koné was fed through by Franco Di Santo’s and the Ivorian striker outpaced Per Mertesacker but dragged his left-foot shot wide of the post.

Wigan’s full backs Stam and Beausejour got forward on numerous occasions but the final cross was often disappointingly poor. With a little more composure Wigan should have capitalised on their dominance of the flanks.

Early in the second half Arsenal had a good opportunity to take the lead when the relatively subdued Santi Cazorla made good progress down the right hand side before cutting the ball back to Walcott whose shot on the turn was well saved by Al Habsi.

Then in the 60th minute the game turned in Arsenal’s favour when Beausejour was controversially adjudged to have fouled Walcott. Mikel Arteta comfortably converted the spot kick by sending Al Habsi the wrong way. The Wigan fans’ humour was not improved when soon afterwards Di Santo was forced to stand on the touch-line for three minutes. It was a bizarre decision by referee Moss after Di Santo was mistakenly adjudged to be wearing an earring. The Fourth official Mark Halsey looked suitably embarrassed by the whole affair.

As Wigan challenged to get back on level terms there was a feeling that the Arsenal players went down too easily and referee Moss was all too ready to award them a free kick. The Wigan fans’ sense of injustice was all too palpable in the latter part of the second half when substitute Jordi Gomez’s shot was fended away with his arms by Kieran Gibbs in the box.

Wigan continued to pressurise the Arsenal goal as Figueroa blazed over the bar and a David Jones volley was inches wide of the post. Beausejour and Stam managed to get into good crossing positions but were once again wasteful with their final ball.

The game ended in a chorus of boos from the home fans directed at the referee; there was a clear sense of injustice as the key decisions had all gone in Arsenal’s favour and Wigan were left to rue another three points lost.

Most neutrals would agree that Wigan’s performance had deserved at least a point. Mr Moss may be demoted to a lower league for the next game, but Wigan won’t get these points back.

Posted in Arsenal, Jon Moss, Mikel Arteta, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Arsenal, Jon Moss, Mikel Arteta, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Wigan’s injury crisis deepens as Norwich winning run continues – Norwich City 2 Wigan Athletic 1

Posted on December 15, 2012 by ianhaspinall

Adrian Lopez limped off with a hamstring injury

Norwich City secured their fifth successive home win and remain unbeaten in ten games after edging out injury hit Wigan Athletic 2-1 at Carrow Road. The Latics had started the game without three centre backs and finished the game with ten men after Adrian Lopez pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring strain. Earlier Irish international James McCarthy had limped off at half time with a foot injury.

Wigan put in a very disappointing first half performance and went 1-0 down on 16 minutes and they could have been at least three goals down at half time if it hadn’t been for some profligate finishing by the Canaries and some good saves by Ali Al Habsi.

Wigan’s build up play could be described as patient but it would be more accurate to say it was pedestrian. Norwich were much quicker in their progress and Wes Hoolahan, Grant Holt and Anthony Pilkington all had good chances for the home side.

When in possession Wigan gave the ball away far too easily and were unable to close down their opponents when defending. Norwich in contrast passed the ball with efficiency and worked hard to get the ball back.

After a scrappy first fifteen minutes, Norwich took the lead following a mistake by Wigan’s captain Emmerson Boyce. The defender dwelled on the ball on the edge of his own box and Wes Hoolahan dispossessed him before passing to Anthony Pilkington who rifled his shot past Al Habsi.

The Wigan bench was further incensed minutes later when Norwich’s Bradley Johnson appeared to stamp on James McCarthy’s foot. The Canaries midfielder was booked for the offence but McCarthy struggled with the injury for the remainder of the half.

Norwich could have increased their lead when Al Habsi missed Snodgrass’s deep cross but Pilkington inexplicably fired wide. Soon afterwards the Wigan keeper produced an outstanding reflex save to deny a goal bound Snodgrass header. Latics went into the break mightily relieved to be only one goal down.

Roberto Martinez replaced the injured McCarthy and Jordi Gomez during the interval and introduced David Jones and Shaun Maloney. The Scottish international Maloney made an instant impact on 51 minutes when he fired home the equaliser from the edge of the box after brilliant work by Arouna Kone.

Wigan were now on top and controlling possession, Maynor Figueroa had a long range effort which drew a fine save from the Norwich keeper Bunn and Maloney played an exquisite cross which just evaded Mauro Boselli and Kone.

Just when it was looking like the away side would snatch an unlikely victory another mistake by the usually reliable Boyce resulted in Norwich regaining the lead. The Barbadian defender let Pilkington turn far too easily on the edge of the box and the former Huddersfield Town player provide a perfect chip for Wes Hoolahan to head past Al Habsi.

Wigan huffed and puffed but rarely threatened an equaliser until the dying minutes when the hard working Kone was played in by substitute Franco Di Santo, but a great last ditch tackle by Sebastien Bassong denied the Ivorian a goal.

As the game ticked towards the final whistle Adrian Lopez pulled up with what looked like a hamstring strain and Wigan played out the final seconds with ten men.

Wigan’s poor first half showing had been their undoing, if they had not been so far off the pace in the first half they might have got something from the game.

Credit must go to Norwich however, who played with some style and vigour and deservedly took the three points, which moved them up to the heady heights of seventh in the table.

Wigan’s injury crisis continues to get worse with both McCarthy and Lopez unlikely to be available for the difficult upcoming games against Arsenal and Everton. It is fair to say that the squad is looking decidedly thin and the immediate prospects are not looking good. A quick return for some of our long term injuries is now a necessity if we are to gain some points over the Christmas period.

Posted in Anthony Pilkington, Norwich City, Shaun Maloney, Wes Hoolahan, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Anthony Pilkington, Norwich City, Shaun Maloney, Wes Hoolahan, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

McCarthy’s magic extends Rangers winless run – Wigan Athletic 2 Queens Park Rangers 2

Posted on December 9, 2012 by ianhaspinall

James McCarthy – an exceptional talent

Queens Park Rangers had a great opportunity to snatch their first three points of the season against a depleted Latics when they took a 2-1 lead through substitute Djibril Cisse in the 71st minute, but Wigan equalised three minutes later through Man of the Match James McCarthy to secure the draw.

McCarthy’s late equaliser confirmed Rangers have made the worst start to the season since the Premier League was founded in 1992, their 16th game without a win surpassing Swindon’s run in 1993.

Wigan were without seven senior players including four central defenders, Antolin Alcaraz, Gary Caldwell, Maynor Figueroa and Ivan Ramis. The defence looked decidedly makeshift with midfielder David Jones drafted into the back three alongside Emmerson Boyce and Adrian Lopez.

In contrast to Wigan’s sparse resources QPR had an expensively assembled squad at their disposal with high-profile players such as Djibril Cisse, Junior Hoilett, Estaban Granero and Alejandro Faurlin only making the bench.

Wigan may have been under strength but they created more chances and were the better side throughout. Yet two sucker punches nearly gave Rangers the three points.

Wigan had taken a deserved lead on 19 minutes through James McCarthy. Following a corner the Irishman drove his shot through a crowded box and the ball clipped Jamie Mackie before evading keeper Robert Green.

Against the run of play Rangers drew level six minutes later. Wigan’s inability to defend set pieces continues to haunt them as Rangers captain Ryan Nelson was allowed to rise unchallenged from a corner to head powerfully past Ali Al Habsi.

The goal initially stunned Wigan but they continued to create chances and Franco Di Santo wasted a good opportunity at the back post to reclaim the lead.

In the second half the home side upped the pressure on the Rangers goal. Former England keeper Green was in fine form producing some excellent saves to deny McCarthy, Jones and substitute Mauro Boselli.

Both Jones and Jordi Gomez hit the Rangers cross bar and it looked only a matter of time before Wigan would score. But the finishing touch could not be applied and the visitors took the lead against the run of play when substitute Djibril Cisse fired his side ahead.

Once again it was a Latics error that gifted the goal. Lopez’s underhit pass allowed Boyce to be robbed by Stephane M’bia who fed Shaun Wright-Phillips and the diminutive winger set up Cisse to side foot home.

But Latics were not to be denied and they deservedly equalised three minutes later. Man of the Match McCarthy firing through a sea of legs following Jean Beausejour’s good work.

McCarthy is an exceptional talent, the 22 year old Irish international was central to many of Wigan’s best moves and with a bit more composure he could have scored a hat-trick. His performances are attracting attention from the top teams, but it is to be hoped that Wigan can hold into him for a few more seasons before the inevitable big move materialises.

Posted in Djibril Cisse, James McCarthy, QPR, Ryan Nelson, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Djibril Cisse, James McCarthy, QPR, Ryan Nelson, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Latics out of luck at St James’ Park – Newcastle United 3 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on December 4, 2012 by ianhaspinall

Maynor Figueroa controversially sent off

Outside of the top few teams most of the clubs in the Premier League are well matched and this game between the clubs in 14th and 15th positions threatened to be a closely fought affair. However, an early game changing decision by referee Mike Jones meant that a Newcastle win was rarely in doubt.

After starting positively Wigan had to face a set back after only 12 minutes when Maynor Figueroa was adjudged to have fouled Papiss Cisse in the box. From my perspective it appeared that two players were shoulder to shoulder with the Honduran defender making his physical presence felt and the Senegalese striker ensuring that he fell in the penalty box as most forwards will do nowadays. It was a marginal decision that could have gone either way but the referee decided it was a penalty and then compounded the verdict by sending off Figueroa and thereby giving Newcastle control of the game.

The current rules suggest that as Figueroa was the last man he should be dismissed but surely some appreciation of the margin involved should have meant that he remained on the pitch. Subsequent detailed analysis by Gary Neville on Sky television showed that it wasn’t a clear-cut penalty and in a straw poll of Sky viewers 70% thought it wasn’t a penalty.

If it wasn’t clear-cut, why did the referee Jones have to send off Figueroa, surely given the importance of the decision he should have used his discretion.

Demba Ba coolly converted the penalty despite a gallant attempt by Ali Al Habsi and it was only eight minutes later when Newcastle went further ahead. The Latics were still trying to re-organise following the dismissal of Figueroa when Davide Santon cut inside and released a powerful swerving shot which Al Habsi could only parry and Ba followed up to score. To all intents and purposes this sealed the three points for the home side.

Following the sending off, Jordi Gomez was sacrificed for the more combative James McArthur and at half time Captain Gary Caldwell on a fifth yellow card, was replaced by Adrian Lopez. The signs were not good for the second period, most Wigan fans must have been fearing a major onslaught by the Toon but it never materialised and the away team played the more measured football, spending most of the second half in the Newcastle half.

Despite Wigan’s positive play the home team were always dangerous on the break and they went further ahead on 71 minutes when Gael Bigirimana scored his first ever goal for Newcastle with a superb curling strike.

It was a brilliant effort by the Burundi born player but in truth the outcome of the game had been decided by the referee Mike Jones in the 12th minute.

Wigan are considering making an appeal against the sending off, but it is likely that they will be without both Figueroa and Gary Caldwell for Saturday’s crucial fixture against Queens Park Rangers. They will now go into this game without at least seven players due to injuries and suspensions. Lady Luck seems to have deserted the Latics, let’s hope she returns very soon.

Posted in Demba Ba, Gael Bigirimana, Maynor Figueroa, Newcastle United, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Demba Ba, Gael Bigirimana, Maynor Figueroa, Newcastle, Wigan Athletic | 3 Comments

Balotelli’s strike shatters Wigan’s resistance – Wigan Athletic 0 Manchester City 2

Posted on November 29, 2012 by ianhaspinall

Italian striker Mario Balotelli scored the first goal

Despite having to field a weakened line up and missing three centre backs Wigan matched the unbeaten Premier League champions until maverick City striker Mario Balotelli broke the deadlock on 69 minutes.

Until that point the erratic Italian was having a quiet night when he struck after Gareth Barry’s shot was blocked by Ali Al Habsi and, although the Wigan keeper stopped Balotelli’s first effort, he could do nothing with his second strike.

The second goal soon followed when James Milner’s quality strike from eighteen yards made sure of a victory that keeps City hot on the heels of Manchester United. Latics remain in 15th place despite the defeat, and will be looking to get back to winning ways at St James’ Park next Monday.

Wigan had the better of the opening exchanges, Arouna Kone shot straight at Joe Hart after an incisive pass from Franco Fi Santo, Jean Beausejour’s should have done better when his shot was blocked by Vincent Kompany and a Kone header just missed the target after great work by Ronnie Stam.

City had a couple of opportunities themselves when Kun Aguero hit the side netting after a darting run and Yaya Toure poked a shot at Al Habsi after nutmegging James McCarthy.

In the second half Balotelli headed into side netting when unmarked at the back post and Kone headed wide of the post from a central position.

Wigan continued to match their illustrious opponents and Beausejour’s whipped cross beat the City defenders but also evaded Kone and Jordi Gomez’s header only found the side netting.

Somewhat against the run of play City took the lead through Balotelli after some sloppy Wigan defending and then substitute James Milner on for the ineffective Javi Garcia consolidated City’s lead.

It was fair to say that the two goals in quick succession shattered Wigan’s stubborn resistance and meant they offered little attacking threat during the final fifteen minutes. Prior to the goals the home team had been defensively solid while producing some fluid attacking football.

Despite their makeshift back line and reshuffled midfield Latics had produced a creditable performance which augurs well for the upcoming fixtures against Newcastle United away and QPR at home. Hopefully the side will also be reinforced by some key players returning from the treatment table.

Posted in James Milner, Manchester City, Mario Balotelli, Wigan Athletic | Tagged James Milner, Manchester City, Mario Balotelli, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

A special day for Jordi Gomez – Wigan Athletic 3 Reading 2

Posted on November 25, 2012 by ianhaspinall

Jordi Gomez grabs a perfect hat-trick

The much maligned midfielder Jordi Gomez scored a superb hat-trick in Wigan’s exhilarating 3-2 win against a resilient Reading at the DW Stadium. Often the scapegoat if Wigan struggle, the Spaniard scored three second-half goals to secure a vital home win for a depleted line-up.

Latics started the game without several key players including Captain Gary Caldwell and during the game they lost midfielder Shaun Maloney and centre back Ivan Ramis.

Reading had been buoyed by their first win of the season last week at home to Everton, and started the game well, matching the home side for shots and possession. They took the lead on 35 minutes when Sean Morrison rose high above the Wigan defence to meet a powerful free kick by Nicky Shorey and head into the top corner.

Despite Reading being ahead, Wigan had created the more clear-cut opportunities with Arouna Kone heading wide after good work by Jean Beausejour and then after rounding keeper Adam Federici the Ivorian’s effort was cleared off the line. Later Gomez produced a great piece of skill to wrong foot the Reading defence but his shot was too high. It’s fair to say that Gomez was having a mixed first half, as when in possession he was prone to give the ball away too easily, but the jeers from some of the home crowd were undeserved.

His second half performance however, was nothing short of remarkable. On 58 minutes impact substitute Franco Di Santo set-up Gomez and despite having his first shot saved by keeper Federici he reacted quickly to fire high into the net.

The second goal was of the highest order, Jean Beausejour’s pinpoint cross found Gomez and his perfectly angled diving header beat the Royals keeper.

The end to end action was far from over however, and Ali Al Habsi was called into action when he produced a world-class reaction save to deny Adam Le Fondre’s header.

The Royals did equalise with a freakish goal. Hal Robson Kanu’s shot was partially blocked by David Jones but the ball looped upwards towards the Wigan goal before dropping between Ali Al Habsi’s gloves and the cross-bar, hitting the keeper in the process and crossing the line. It looked as though this freakish goal would gift Reading a point in a game Wigan had dominated.

But the action was not over and Gomez then had a chance to get his third goal when his volley was cleared off the line by Morrison. The former Swansea, Espanyol and Barcelona player did get his hat-trick and Wigan’s winner in injury-time following a flowing counter-attack. He picked up the ball in his own half and his astute pass found Kone who returned the ball for the Spaniard in the penalty area to claim his hat-trick with a composed finish.

Despite having an inconsistent first half Gomez had been at the centre of all Wigan’s best moves and fully deserved his three goals. He had scored with his left and right foot and a diving header which can only be regarded as the perfect hat-trick.

He is only the second Spanish player (along with Fernando Torres) ever to score a hat trick in the Premier League and only the third ever Wigan player to do so.

Overall it had been an exciting end-to-end encounter spoiled only by some poor decisions by the match officials. Referee Howard Webb and his assistants didn’t have the best of afternoons often leaving both sets of fans incredulous. Reading had a fair shout for a penalty when Jay Tabb collided with Maynor Figueroa’s outstretched leg in the box and Franco Di Santo had a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside.

Posted in Howard Webb, Jordi Gomez, Reading, Sean Morrison, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Jordi Gomez, Reading, Sean Morrison, Tim Howard, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment

Watson’s broken leg compounds a bad day for the Latics – Liverpool 3 Wigan Athletic 0

Posted on November 18, 2012 by ianhaspinall

Wigan’s Ben Watson suffered a broken leg after a collision with Raheem Sterling

Wigan went into the game undefeated in the last five outings against the Merseysiders but on this occasion they were well beaten by a Luis Suarez inspired outfit. The Uruguayan striker scored two goals and it could easily been four as his skill and movement tormented the Latics back line. The controversial striker now leads the goal scoring charts and if he maintains this type of form he will surely finish as the Premier League’s top scorer.

Wigan had comfortably contained Liverpool in the first half and limited them to only a couple of goal scoring opportunities. The away side had their fair share of possession but without creating any serious penetration.

Probably the turning point in the game came towards the end of the first half when Wigan midfielder Ben Watson was carried off with a broken leg after an accidental collision with Raheem Sterling. The injury clearly unsettled Wigan and Watson’s replacement David Jones struggled to make any significant impact.

Early in the second half Liverpool took a critical lead after a mistake by Jean Beausejour. The Chilean’s under hit pass to Maynor Figueroa was intercepted by Sterling who pulled the back for Suarez to score.

The second goal on 58 minutes was the product of some excellent play from the home side as Jose Enrique’s slide rule pass split the Wigan defence and Suarez finished in typically clinical fashion.

The third and final goal on 65 minutes was fortuitous for Liverpool as the linesman had incorrectly given the home side a thrown in the build up. Suarez was again involved as he cleverly exchanged passes with Sterling and the England winger’s shot was only parried by Ali Al Habsi before Enrique followed up to score.

The dark side to Suarez’s game was exposed in the 63rd minute when he stamped on David Jones, but referee Kevin Friend didn’t see the incident, if he had done so, the Uruguayan would surely have been red carded.

Ben Watson’s bad injury had certainly disrupted Wigan’s rhythm but with Suarez in such great form it is unlikely that they would have got anything from the game. Suarez is an exceptional player and very few teams in the world could have stopped him from scoring.

Wigan’s performances following an international break continue to frustrate and Roberto Martinez will be relieved that there are no more international fixtures until March next year.

Posted in Ben Watson, Jose Enrique, Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Wigan Athletic | Tagged Ben Watson, Jose Enrique, Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Wigan Athletic | 1 Comment