Author Archives: Ned

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About Ned

I am the son and grandson of ardent Wigan Athletic supporters, and have followed the Latics closely wherever life has taken me. This website is dedicated to discussing all Latics-related matters, with occasional summaries in Spanish for the growing contingent of Latin American and Spanish Wigan fans around the world. Thanks for reading.

Macclesfield vs. Wigan Athletic: Morale boost needed from young guns

Posted by Ned in Match Previews, News, Other and tagged with , , ,

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While it is likely the XI to face Macclesfield will be comprised largely by fringe players, the need for an injection of belief and positivity is as great as it has been since this time last year.

Many supporters were rightly optimistic going into the season, but a myriad of circumstances has conspired to see Latics slump into the all-too familiar bottom three this January. The common thread has been poor defending — no surprise given the unprecedented number of injuries to senior defenders in recent times. If any of the senior players start tomorrow, they are likely to be defenders, and a clean sheet should be a big priority.

Elsewhere, Angelo Henriquez will likely feature following his debut league goal against Sunderland last weekend. Mauro Boselli has a very good cup record and should partner him, although Callum McManaman will be pushing them for a starting berth. David Jones, Fraser Fyvie and Roger Espinoza will be favourites in midfield — the latter, so energetic against Sunderland, will benefit from the minutes as he adapts to Roberto Martinez’s tactical setup.

New loan signing Joel Robles is also likely to make an appearance. Of the club’s loan signings, he looks the most likely to potentially sign on full-time if his time loan stint is a success. The Spaniard immediately endeared himself to the Wigan faithful with a video in which he expressed his delight at the move. Latics’ supporters responded in kind with a barrage of welcoming tweets and a Welcome to Wigan YouTube video that you can see here. Big potential, by the looks of it.

The optimists among us will be hoping for the reappearance of Antolin Alcaraz — whose importance can only be measured by the defensive struggles his teammates have endured without him. His injury in the previous season also coincided with the team’s long losing run, while his return to form alongside Gary Caldwell and Maynor Figueroa was the foundation of their resurgence. Ryo Miyaichi, also injured for several months, would be a welcome sight as well.

Meanwhile, the transfer window rumours continue. Sources are rarely reliable at this time of year, but the most exciting possibility is certainly Aidan McGeady of Spartak Moscow. The Russian club has apparently rejected a loan, instead asking for something in the region of 5 million pounds. He would certainly add that little bit of pace and trickery that has been lacking. As excellent as he has been, Shaun Maloney can’t do it all.

More pressing is the need for a defender, with Craig Dawson, Danny Simpson, John Stones, Sebastian Coates and Ronald Zubar getting mentions in the papers. While none of them are established, experienced centre-backs, they all sound useful in their own ways — if a right back like Simpson, Stones or Zubar were to come in, it would allow Emmerson Boyce to drop into that centre-back role more permanently. It would also signal the end of the road for Ronnie Stam, whose defending continues to let him, and Emmerson Boyce who has to cover for him, down.

It is no coincidence that Latics have been historically poor in January. Not only does the congested festive period drain the thinner squads in the league, the transfer window is a huge distraction for players at a selling club. Ironically, the team’s poor results of late have helped keep the spotlight away from their major talents, so no one is likely to leave. Shaun Maloney, the team’s best performer, just signed a new contract and Martinez will be hoping others follow suit.

Dire defending puts Latics in trouble

Posted by Ned in Other

Three neatly finished but gift-wrapped Sunderland goals in the space of 20 minutes settled this one before it had even really started. A second half siege which at one point saw Wigan control 90% of posession, hit the bar, the crossbar, and produce an amazing low save from Simon Mignolet, failed to materialize in points. Make no mistake, this was a costly loss and Roberto Martinez has some serious thinking to do to patch up an injury-and-morale hit defence.

The Good:

Encouraging debuts from Roger Espinoza and Angelo Henriquez, who both look like they will be contibutors. The team’s second half response was good. But only the excellent Shaun Maloney showed the bravery and skill to create real opportunities and must be wondering what else he has to do to score. Otherwise, a lot of tippy-tappy and not much punch.

The Bad:

The defending that allowed Sunderland three goals was very poor. You can’t concede three goals at home to a relegation rival and expect to win a match.

Roberto’s tactics did not inspire confidence. Jordi Gomez offered little in his centre-right midfield position. Franco Di Santo was far too isolated and wasted in a lone centre-forward role. In the second half, it was hard to tell what shape the team was playing in, although they did dominate and created enough chances to merit at least a point.

This was a very damaging result, particularly in light of Reading’s recent wins and QPR’s revival under Harry Redknapp and their millions. Wigan are very much embroiled in another relegation battle.

Player Ratings:

Ali Al-Habsi: 6 — Not at fault for the goals, but no longer inspiring confidence in his defence either.

Emmerson Boyce: 6 — On several occasions had to cover for Ronnie Stam’s mistakes ahead of him, earning a yellow card in the process early in the match that made him more hesitant in his tackling.

Gary Caldwell: 6 — Hard to tell if he made a mess of the buildup to Fletcher’s second goal, or if it was just bad luck. Had a very good second half despite the all out attack approach that gave him little cover. Prevented further damage by holding up Sessegnon on a dangerous breakaway.

Maynor Figueroa: 6 — Not assertive enough for Fletcher’s second goal. Tried hard though, and urged the team forward at times. Brilliant shot in second half went just wide but could easily have been the equaliser.

Ronnie Stam: 5 — Frustrating. Some nice shimmies in attacking play, but very poor defensively. His unfortunate slip let in Johnson in the build-up to the first goal.

Jean Beausejour: 5 — What has happened to the Chilean? So instrumental in Latics’ excellent form last season, his passing was slack and influence limited.

James McArthur: 5 — Lost the midfield battle in the first half, emphatically won it in the second. Ended up as right back. Gets in decent shooting positions but needs to improve his final product.

James McCarthy: 5 — Similar to McArthur, lost the battle in those key opening 30 minutes but improved. The team needs more from a player of his ability.

Jordi Gomez: 5 — Poor. Hit the crossbar via a deflected free-kick but his finishing was generally substandard.

Shaun Maloney: 9 — Deserved at least a goal for his tireless invention, positivity and all-round excellent play. On his own though. Hit the post and kept out by an inspired Mignolet save. Provided a wonderful cross for the second goal.

Franco Di Santo: 5 — Anonymous.

Subs:

Roger Espinoza: 7 — An encouraging debut. A few dodgy touches but grew as the match went on, and put in a couple lovely crosses/passes. Looks a useful player.

Angelo Henriquez: Took his goal very well and showed no lack of effort, but spent part of his time on the field in an unfamiliar right-wing position.

Mauro Boselli: Thrown on late in the game, didn’t have any real chances.

Wigan Athletic vs. Sunderland: Big opportunity

Posted by Ned in Match Previews, News, Other and tagged with , , ,

Despite Sunderland’s recent and rather convincing hammering of West Ham, Wigan must be looking at this fixture as a golden opportunity to put some space between themselves and the relegation zone.

The morning’s news that former Latics keeper Nigel Adkins has been inexplicably sacked down at Southampton has added an extra layer of intrigue to a tight-as-ever survival race. The Saints’ comeback against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge just the other day was simply stunning, but the owners have chosen another path. Adkins’ replacement will be the relatively inexperienced Mauricio Pochettino. The February 2nd fixture against Wigan will be his third in charge, following the visit of Everton and trip to Manchester United. Baptism of fire, then. On the surface, it appears Southampton have committed suicide.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are probably this season’s biggest under-achievers, expected to kick on under the guidance of Martin O’Neill and boosted by the attacking signings of Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson. Instead, they’ve been poor, with apparent dips in form from important players such as Seb Larsson, Stephane Sessignon and James McLean in the first half of the season. All three looked sharp against West Ham, mind.

The reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light was cruelly decided by the extremely harsh sending off of Jordi Gomez. Prior to that, Latics had enjoyed the better chances with James McCarthy and Arouna Kone going particularly close. One would expect Martinez to plan for this match with attacking intentions.

The big question — once again — is whether Mauro Boselli will be given another chance following his stunning cup strike against Bouremouth with a league start. A repeat lineup featuring a packed midfield and Maloney as a second striker would be extremely conservative. Franco Di Santo showed again that while his poaching leaves a little to be desired, his ability to break from a deeper position is a good natural fit. To pair the Argentineans together would result in each playing in their natural position.

Of course, their success will depend heavily on service. Jean Beausejour will start, but there is a question mark over whether Emmerson Boyce will be allowed to continue his fine run of form in the right wingback position, or will be used as a centre-half to cover for the injured Ivan Ramis. If so, Ronnie Stam will get another opportunity.

Always a tricky fixture to predict, this is a massive opportunity for Wigan. Three points would not only put some distance between themselves and those in the relegation zone — it would bring Latics level with Southampton, heaping pressure on new manager Pochettino in the process. Sunderland are no mugs, however — last season’s corresponding fixture showed that a game can turn on a moment of brilliance, and they have several individuals capable of mustering just that.

Bournemouth reaction: five positives from a negative

Posted by Ned in Match Reports, News and tagged with , , ,

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* Disclaimer: this writer was unable to watch the Bournemouth match, and instead listened to live commentary and read every match report available after the fact. If you’re looking for a play-by-play, here’s a nice one from This Northern Soul.

1) Henriquez will play a role

Roberto Martinez’s praise for the youngster after the match was effusive. The youngster hit the crossbar with a headed effort, was full of energy, and looks to have probably leapfrogged Mauro Boselli in the pecking order.

2) Figueroa is a good attacking option

The tactical switch to a back four allowed the Honduran to get forward a lot more in the second half to good effect. First, he hit a screamer against the bar, then won the penalty. We’re all hoping the rest has done first choice wingback Jean Beausejour a world of good, but it’s good to know Figueroa can easily move up, and a Boyce-Caldwell-Ramis back three is feasible.

3) A replay down south isn’t such a bad thing

There are a number of players in need of playing time in a lower stakes situation, not least new signings Henriquez and Roger Espinoza. Callum McManaman is on the cusp of a breakthrough and will enjoy further minutes, while players returning from injury like Ryo Miyaichi and Antolin Alcaraz could play some part.

4) Partnerships are important

When he has come on for the senior team in league matches, McManaman has at times looked unsure of his positioning and on a slightly different wavelength than those around him. Despite the team’s flat first half performance, it sounds as though his understanding and interplay with Daniel Redmond was a big positive. In playing them together, Martinez gave each of them a stronger chance of succeeding.

5) Does Nouha Dicko have a role to play?

After being recalled from his loan at second tier Blackpool due to a lack of starting opportunities, he was given a chance to impress in the final quarter of an hour at the DW. With Ryo Miyaichi still injured and Arouna Kone away, there is a concerning lack of raw pace in the team. Can Dicko provide it?

Wigan Athletic vs. Bournemouth: Staking a claim

Posted by Ned in Match Previews, News and tagged with , , , , , , ,

Whilst hardly a mouth-watering affair for the neutral, nor a crucial fixture in an unexpectedly dire league campaign, the FA Cup visit of Bournemouth has brought about a swell of interest and anticipation in the Wigan Athletic community.

Not only have two players been signed since the United match just a few days ago, Nouha Dicko and Rob Kiernan have been recalled from their loans, and Arouna Koné’s departure for the African Cup of Nations has raised all manner of debate about who will fill his shoes — and how. Further transfer rumours suggest the loan arrival of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Joel is imminent to give Ali Al-Habsi some much needed competition.

While the senior XI looked badly in need of a rest at times during the United loss, the substitutes provided much cause for optimism. Jordi Gomez looked sharp and lively, while Ronnie Stam’s drive down the right resulted in a couple half chances in his short time on the pitch, and Callum McManaman showed some nice touches and offers what only Shaun Maloney seems willing to try — dynamism and dribbling.

Al-Habsi tends to start these matches and his confidence could certainly use an injection of positivity if things go to plan. The centre of defence in front of him should be strong — Gary Caldwell and Ivan Ramis should be given the bulk of the match as they work on their fitness post-injuries, while it is possible Antolin Alcaraz could make his first appearance in a long, long time. What a welcome sight that would be. More likely, though, is a game for Roman Golobart or the recalled Kiernan in place of Maynor Figueroa, who has more than earned a rest.

Roger Espinoza has been officially presented as a Latics player and could make his bow. Though his best work has come as a central midfielder, his left foot and versatility may see him given a chance in the Jean Beausejour left wing-back role. The Chilean’s form has not been as good as last season’s and competition would be welcome. Angelo Henriquez, his countryman, will hope to make his bow up front at some stage, although it’s anyone’s guess who he might play alongside. Franco Di Santo has been used sparingly and doesn’t exactly need a rest — in fact what he needs is a goal. Callum McManaman is almost sure to start, the question is where. And Ryo Miyaichi is back from injury — will he start over Ronnie Stam as a wingback or in a more advanced role.

And what of Mauro Boselli, so excellent in the League Cup earlier this season, but let down by poor service in his single league start of the season in the flat performance at Norwich. Where in the pecking order is he?

At this stage last season, Shaun Maloney had played no part to speak of, and look how important he turned out to be. By the end of 90 minutes tomorrow, we should have a much clearer picture of life without Arouna Koné, and who will be challenging to make that kind of impact this time around.