Let’s face it, Ali Al-Habsi kept a clean sheet after last week’s mistake and the goal difference isn’t minus 10 like last year and the Latics did fantastically in soaking up the constant Swansea pressure.
The reason for concern from the fans is that the club lacks goals, quite an obvious point to make and one that needs addressing sooner rather than later. The style of play is somewhat like Manchester United’s, the defence soak up pressure, wait for a break in play and counter attack in numbers. The harsh reality being that Wigan lack the quality that United have in finishing their chances.
Yesterday was a perfect example of the lack of cutting edge coupled with a great deal of bad luck. Jordi Gomez well placed volleys cannoned off the post and the quick feet and deft lob of Victor Moses came crashing back off the crossbar. It would be harsh to blame the forwards for the woodwork intervention. The blame can in part be pinned on Ben Watson after his poorly taken penalty was well saved by the impressive Dutch stopper Michel Vorm.
All in all the Latics didn’t do too badly considering the reserved style Martinez had his team playing in. The Spaniard clearly didn’t want the embarrassment of losing to his old club and the fans should thank him for that.
How they rated
Al-Habsi – 6 – Made the saves where necessary but will be thankful for Swansea’s poor finishing.
Boyce – 5 – Like many in defence and midfield he lacked the ability to close down.
Figueroa – 5 – Looked slow and weary at first but attacked well on occasion.
Alcaraz – 5 – Didn’t play for long enough for a real critique.
Caldwell – 5 – Looked lost again.
McCarthy – 5 – Another poor performance from the Irishman, McArthur should have started.
Watson – 5 – The penalty miss will haunt him, didn’t break up play enough.
Diame – 5 – At times it was forgotten that he was even playing. Non-existent defending.
Moses – 6 – Always going to be dangerous and got unlucky hitting the bar. The injury needs to be something of nothing.
Gomez – 6 – Much better than last week and hit the post with a great shot, needs a more central role.
Di Santo – 5 – The effort from last week just wasn’t there, Sammon may find it easy to get in the team.
Subs
Stam – 6 – On for Alcaraz and slotted in perfectly, can he do it against the bigger teams?
McArthur – 5 – Didn’t have enough time to make an impression but the pass for Moses’ chance won me over, great distribution.
Rodallega – 5 – Should have come on earlier, caused a few problems. A must keep for Wigan.
Verdict
Unbeaten in six games now, surely it isn’t all that bad? The fans need to get behind the team and save judgement for the next home game. If Martinez’s men don’t beat QPR comfortably then the pressure really is on. The gaffer needs to change things up and start with a new front-line with at least two new signings necessary.
