Category Archives: News

Fulham 1 Wigan Athletic 1: Di Santo redeems himself

Posted by JJ (Tony) in Match Reports, News, Other and tagged with , , , , ,

DiSanto

A game of two halves for Franco Di Santo. Prior to this match, the Argentinian had not scored a goal since the beginning of October. The way he played in the first half reflected as much. In the first five minutes he somehow managed not to hit the net from two yards out, the ball trickling from his boot to the goalkeeper following a lovely move involving James McCarthy and Shaun Maloney. Even his usually excellent approach play wasn’t quite up to his usual standards as frustration set in. Shortly before half time, a neat backheel from James McArthur led to Emmerson Boyce putting over a great cross that a more accomplished Premier League striker would have poached — Di Santo put it over.

Roberto Martinez had gone into it with a conservative line-up. He packed the centre of midfield with David Jones, James McArthur and James McCarthy, while Shaun Maloney was employed in the second striker role. Fulham had strangely started without a recognized holding player to compete for midfield possession.  After Fulham had taken the lead in the 22nd minute with a spectacular goal from Giorgos Karagounis it looked like Wigan had a hill to climb and their lack of cutting edge was cause for concern. Neat approach play is to no avail without clinical finishing.

As the second half progressed the need for another forward became even more apparent. However,  in the 66th minute Jordi Gomez was brought on for David Jones.  Wigan reverted to a straight back four, with Gomez and Beausejour pushed into wide midfield positions. Although the move resulted in Wigan having two players in wide positions who do not have the speed to get past opposing full backs, the change of shape galvanised their play.The chief beneficiary was Shaun Maloney, who dropped deeper into the playmaker role, and dictated Latics’ attacking play from that moment on. Di Santo and his teammates  improved and the revived Argentinian went near with a quickfire volley before scoring a gem of an equalizer in the 71st minute. His confidence restored, he went close to a winner minutes later.

After a horrible injury to Ivan Ramis in the closing minutes Wigan fell apart and it was only an amazing goal line clearance from Maynor Figueroa that stopped them losing a match they had deserved to win.

The Good

A valuable point gained at a ground where Latics struggled so much in the past. The defence was disciplined and alert.  Wigan played skillful football and created chances. The reemergence of Franco Di Santo from the doldrums bodes well in the absence of the accomplished Arouna Kone. Wigan played with spirit and the result will help boost morale, following a poor run of results.

The Bad

Wigan’s cruel luck continues with a bad ligament injury to Ivan Ramis, who had done so much to neutralise the threat of Dmitar Berbatov.  Wigan had the better share of clear scoring opportunities and could have brought home three  points rather than one.

Player Ratings

Ali Al Habsi: 6 – a quiet afternoon.

Emmerson Boyce: 7 – very solid in defence, reading the game well, using his considerable experience.

Ivan Ramis: 7 – played the major part in keeping Berbatov at bay. Solid in defence and possibly a big loss for the rest of the season. Let’s hope not.

Gary Caldwell: 8 – marshalled his defence, excellent in positioning and tackling.

Maynor Figueroa: 7.5 – saved two points with a stunning goal line  clearance. Disciplined and solid  in defence.

Jean Beausejour: 6 – gradually regaining his touch. Worked hard in defence and put in some nice crosses.

James McCarthy: 7 – consistent as ever. Looked classy.

James McArthur: 6 – worked hard, tackled well and put through some nice passes.

David Jones: 6 – hard working,  but  wish his passing would be more incisive.

Shaun Maloney: 7 – much more comfortable in the playmaker role. At the heart of the second half revival.

Franco Di Santo: 6 – a game of two halves , but good to see him back on form in the last half hour.

Substitutes.

Jordi Gomez: – played out of position on the right and had little input on the game as a result.

Ronnie Stam: came very late in the game, but his lapse could have led to a defeat in added time.

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Fulham v Wigan Athletic: Moment of truth for Boselli?

Posted by JJ (Tony) in Match Previews, News, Other and tagged with , , , ,

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Tomorrow Wigan Athletic face Martin Jol’s Fulham side at Craven Cottage. The tight stadium, adjoining the Thames, has proved a difficult venue for Latics in the past, with the only win coming in 2006-2007, a goal from Henri Camara proving sufficient for a 1-0 scoreline. Last year, in the middle of Latics’ storming late run, they looked a little stale at Craven Cottage, but went ahead through a cracking shot by Emmerson Boyce. The Cottagers were to fight back and a soft goal in the last five minutes from Philippe Senderos won them the match.

Fulham have since lost key players in Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey, who went to Tottenham for big money. Their midfield general and talisman, Danny Murphy, was released at 35 years of age. Blackburn’s gain was Fulham’s loss. In Murphy’s absence they have readjusted their tactical system, bringing in a handful of new signings, some more well known than others. Their high profile signing was Dmitar Berbatov, now 31 years old, who has a formidable record against Wigan with 8 goals in 11 appearances against them. Since their arrival in the Premier League he has tormented Latics as much as any other player. One recalls his precise cross leading to Hugo Rodallega’s headed goal at the DW Stadium in September. That day Rodallega himself did not celebrate his goal in front of his previous fans. However, he is going to be enthusiastic to play against his former club and do further damage tomorrow.

The absence of Arouna Kone on African Nations Cup duty is a major blow for Wigan. The big question is who will replace him. The moment of truth must surely come soon for Mauro Boselli. Limited to a single league start after showing excellent form — and several goals — in the first two league cup ties, his time is surely now. His success relies heavily on the ability of the wingbacks to provide him with the right ammunition. Eighteen-year-old Angelo Henriquez, bright off the bench against Bournemouth, should not be expected to lead the line and like any other young player from a different continent, will take some time to adapt. Another option is Callum McManaman as a second striker, and there is always the possibility of an extra midfielder in the shape of David Jones or Jordi Gomez, a more conservative approach.

Fulham’s success over the past few years has been largely based on their home form, which has been outstanding. However, this season has seen a few cracks develop in the Craven Cottage fortress. They have already lost four Premier League matches at home, including their last to Swansea, after only drawing previously with Southampton. If there is a time for Latics to get a good result at Fulham then surely it must be tomorrow.

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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.

Chile’s loss is Wigan’s gain as Henriquez joins on loan

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

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News sources have today confirmed the arrival of Chilean international Angelo Henriquez on loan from Manchester United.

The 18-year-old’s arrival is intended to supply cover for Arouna Koné while the Ivorian takes part in the African Cup of Nations over the next few weeks. He has yet to make an appearance for Manchester United, but it has been suggested that Sir Alex was keen to get him some Premier League experience as soon as possible. Indeed, it has been said that it was Ferguson who approached Martinez about the possibility of the loan upon learning that Wigan would have a void to fill — possibly a benefit of Tom Cleverley’s well-documented spell at the club.

Interestingly, Chileans are not too pleased with the move as Henriquez was due to star in the South American under-20 championship but was blocked from traveling by his parent club. Henriquez has an outstanding goal-scoring record at all levels for Chile including 14 in 10 matches for the u-20s, and 1 in 1 for the seniors. It should be noted that youth tournaments of the sort are highly valued in South America and his absence will be big news.

Chile’s loss is Wigan’s gain, and the fixture list could not have been kinder. Saturday’s FA Cup fixture against third tier Bournemouth provides an excellent opportunity for the lad to get a first appearance under his belt, familiarize himself with his surroundings, and show his new club what he can do. Countryman Jean Beausejour and the legion of Latin Americans — not least Franco Di Santo, who was plucked from the Chilean league at a similar age as Henriquez five years ago.

All things considered, he looks a decent loan signing. In addition to his international debut goal from a substitute appearance, he scored 11 in 17 in the Chilean league at age 17. His goal-scoring record suggests more of a centre-forward or poacher type of player, allowing Di Santo to continue in his slightly more withdrawn playmaking striker role.

His arrival does, however, pose a number of questions. Will he leapfrog Mauro Boselli in the pecking order, who has probably been eagerly awaiting the African Cup of Nations for his chance? Will Roberto keep his formation intact with the use of two traditional forwards, or instead opt for Jordi Gomez or Callum McManaman in behind Di Santo? I suspect much hinges on the Chilean’s debut — and the performances of his aforementioned teammates and competitors — against Bournemouth this Saturday.