QPR 3 Wigan Athletic 1

Cedric Kipre’s goal in the second minute gave Latics a temporary confidence boost. Although their main attacking strategy was to launch long balls to the 5 ft 10in Joe Garner up against big central defendersWigan’s defence was looking more solid than of late. Latics held out until half time, but the second half was a different story. There was only one team trying to play football: it was not Wigan. The three QPR goals were down to awful defence and Wigan’s long ball tactics posed no threat to the home team.

We on this site were initially pleased to see Paul Cook appointed. He was an excellent player for Latics and had a fine record in management, albeit in the lower leagues. More than anything else he had a reputation for his teams playing good football. But the long ball game that now characterises the team’s approach is reminiscent of the darkest days of Coyle and Mackay.

Let’s take a look at how fans have reacted to recent events through the message boards and social media.

Our thanks go to the Cockney Latic Forum, the Vital Wigan – Latics Speyk Forum, The Boulevard of Broken Dreams on Facebook and Twitter for providing the media for the posts below to happen. Thanks go to all whose contributions are identified below.

Victor Moses on the Latics Speyk Forum commented:

Only way to describe this – embarrassing. Against two struggling teams we’ve been dominated. For any brave fans who are willing to sacrifice a whole day to watch this s..t, fair play to you all.

Was going to give Cook some praise today. Started the first five minutes with 3 at the back and looked good, we changed shortly after the goal to five at the back. Parking the bus from the fifth minute until the 20th minute. After being dominated for 15 minutes he finally made a good decision, moved Kipre in front of the back four. For the rest of the half it was much more even. Instead of having 6-9 player’s standing around in the defensive third doing nothing, we started to have pressure on the ball making it a game again.

Second half starts and from the off we reverted to five at the back, there’s no word’s for that type of decision making. You could see goal’s going from the off, camped out near our box for the whole second half. Changed nothing just accepted being dominated for the entire second half. 3, should of been 5.

Since Morsy came back, we placed Evans back on the right and he’s been awful there. Morsy has been poor as well. Both of them play better on the opposite sides.

Stoke can’t buy a win yet they beat us comfortably, Middlesbrough in the same position. Today a very poor QPR had the easiest home game they’ll have all season, cup games against non-league teams will have more desire to be attack minded then we do away from home.

FormbyLatic on the Latics Speyk Forum added:

Squad has changed but our tactics away from home haven’t changed one jot.

 

Jrfatfan on the Cockney Latic Forum commented:

Never thought I’d say it but agree. Some very strange selections and tactics. First of all he leaves Williams out the squad, wonder if it was to teach him a lesson? If it was it is Mr Cook who has been taught a lesson.

Secondly, plays Marshall and Kipre who have been dire and lacking in confidence. It should have been Jones and Mulgrew to try and stop the leaks. Then he takes Jacobs off and brings Naismith on when Massey is on bench. He is devoid of ideas and has to rely on his backroom staff who have never played or managed higher than Accrington Stanley.

Chris Hooton anybody

LoudmouthBlue on the Latics Speyk Forum stated:

Williams walked out of training yesterday and went home after being told he was not in the squad today, something not right at the club when a new signing does that.

TrueLatic4eva on the Cockney Latic Forum opined:

No manager in Britain would still be in a job with his away record over the last 12 months.