Scharner – Nearing His Peak?

Posted by JJ (Tony) in Player profiles and tagged with , , , ,

 

Great tackles are rarely as memorable as great goals, but some just stand out as exceptional. Half way through the first half  on Saturday a nice move by Reading led to a low cross coming to centre forward Pavel Podgrebnyak at the near post. The Russian looked certain to score until the long legs of Paul Scharner appeared out of nowhere to slide the ball to safety. A crucial moment in a tense first half, when the Royals had been getting on top.

Roberto Martinez had bravely changed his team’s shape for the Reading match, reverting to a flat back four and pushing Jean Beausejour into a left wing position. In the 40th minute a tall figure crossed the ball from that position and it took me a second or two to realize it was none other than Paul Scharner. It brought back mixed memories of the Austrian’s performances in a Latics shirt during his previous life at the club.

There have been a wealth of articles written on the eccentric central European.  His weird hairstyles, love of classical music and having his own personal  psychological coach place him apart from the average professional footballer. Interviewing him can be a challenge as this journalist found out.

Scharner joined Latics in January 2006, when I was living in Vienna and regularly watching one of his previous clubs, FK Austria, in the Bundesliga. Although popular in Norway, through his excellent performances for Brann of Bergen, he was by no means a hero  in his home country. In 2003 he had to move on from FK Austria after refusing to come on  as a substitute to play in right midfield at the behest of manager of the time, Jurgen Low. At the time he stated that “The coach and I discussed where I can help the team the most, but the coach always uses me elsewhere. I already played in seven different positions.”

In 2006 Scharner’s criticism of the Austrian FA led to national team coach, Josef Hickersberger, saying that  Scharner would never play for Austria again as long as he was in charge. After Hickersberger left Scharner returned to the national side. However, in  August 2012  another skirmish with authority led to the chairman of the Austrian FA saying that the player would never play for Austria again, no matter who the  coach was.

Paul Scharner’s made his Latics debut that January 2006, coming off the bench to head a winner against Arsenal that was to be instrumental in Latics reaching the League Cup final. Fans were not quite sure if he had been brought in to bolster an ailing centre of defence or to put some muscle into midfield. Some 16 months later his well taken goal at Bramall Lane on the last day of the season, helped to keep Latics up and put Sheffield United down. He was to make 145 appearances, in  a variety of positions, before leaving in the summer of 2010.

So which is the real Paul Scharner? The one who  Roberto Martinez describes as  a model professional  who he has welcomed back to Wigan with open arms, or the rebel who clashes with coaches and FA officials in his home country? Moreover is he willing to play in a central defensive position, week on week? Reports suggest that his move to West Bromwich was only finalized after Roberto Di Matteo agreed to play him in his preferred midfield position.

Paul Scharner has made a welcome return to Wigan at an opportune moment. He has already helped shore up a wobbly defence and made a “man of the match” performance for me at Reading. He has always been a very capable central defender, although it has not been his favourite position. Wigan are well stocked for midfield players and Scharner knows it. He is now 32, but in excellent physical shape. He  could go on for at least another couple of years as a Premier League central defender.

Has Paul Scharner already reached his peak or is it yet to come? Like anything else with the big Austrian it depends on his state of mind. Scharner would be well advised to forget his attacking forays and concentrate on defence. He has the experience, technique and positional sense to be an outstanding central defender. It is not too late for him to reach his peak.

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Reading 0 Wigan Athletic 3: Latics rising

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

figgy

While the pre-match league table suggested it was Wigan Athletic destined for football in the second tier next season, the emphatic nature of their 3-0 triumph over Reading this afternoon indicated the Premier League is a far more suitable home. The gulf in class was apparent early on, and the match was effectively over after 50 minutes with a perfect trio of headed, right-footed and left-footed goals. What ensued would best be described as a keep-away training ground routine for Roberto Martinez’s charges.

The Good:

The manager got his tactics right. The flexibility and fluidity of the team’s shape was a huge asset. He started the game with a hugely experienced back four, all of whom displayed the kind of calm and level-headed defended we’ve seen too little of this season, and earned a morale-boosting clean sheet for their troubles. Jean Beausejour, in a more advanced role on the left, was more influential than in recent times, playing the stunning through ball for Arouna Koné’s second goal. The second half switch to his customary wingbacks in the second half was seamless, while the tactical change also afforded Shaun Maloney greater freedom, who in turn orchestrated proceedings for the rest of the game.

Arouna Koné has returned from the African Cup of Nations refreshed. He has now scored four goals in two games, and his expert chipped finish for the second goal was the mark of a confident striker. Despite missing several fixtures in January and February, he is on track to be the club’s top scorer by some distance.

What an astute signing Paul Scharner is turning out to be. His experience and versatility were just the tonic for Latics’ ailing back line. He has slotted into various roles seamlessly, and it will be a surprise if anyone dislodges him from the starting lineup.

Emmerson Boyce made a welcome return after missing several matches through injury, while it was a great pleasure to see Antolin Alcaraz make his return after missing the bulk of the season. Word is Ryo Miyaichi is approaching full fitness — Martinez will soon have a near-full squad to choose from.

The Bad:

Despite escaping the bottom three, the league table is still frighteningly tight. But today’s was a performance to celebrate.

Player Ratings:

Ali Al-Habsi: 6 — Didn’t have to make one save. Dealt with crosses well.

Emmerson Boyce: 7 — Got beaten once or twice in the first half, but improved as the game went along and made some dangerous runs down the right in the second half.

Gary Caldwell: 7 — Composed and patient.

Paul Scharner: 8 — Made some outstanding tackles in the first half, used the ball well, and enjoyed his final ten minutes making forays down the right wing.

Maynor Figueroa: 7 — Scored a lovely goal following excellent interplay with Di Santo, and you could see what it meant to him. Almost scored a follow-up cracker, denied by Reading keeper Adam Federici.

Jean Beausejour: 7 — A decent outing for him. The advanced, more traditional wing role he played in the first half allowed him to be more influential. By the time he reverted to the wingback position in the second, Wigan were firmly in control, and he continued to play dangerous curled balls into the box.

James McArthur: 6 — A few misplaced passes and got caught in possession a couple times — possibly affected by the mask he was wearing. It wasn’t his best first half, but he was comfortable in the second.

James McCarthy: 6 — Quiet, but efficient and kept things ticking. Never once lost the ball.

Shaun Maloney: 7 — Strangely, was not directly involved in any of the goals. Was his usual nippy, creative self though, and he very controlled the second half.

Franco Di Santo: 7 — As against Chelsea, he deserved a goal for a strong performance full of inventive running and passing. His flick for Figueroa’s goal was sublime. Was inches from connecting with driven crosses across a couple times.

Arouna Koné: 8 — Very good. Strong in possession, unselfish but hungry for goals. Got two, almost made it a hat-trick.

Subs:

Jordi Gomez: Game was over by the time he came on, but he was happy to play tikki-takka until the clock ran down.

Antolin Alcaraz: Great to see him back. Slotted back into his right of center position and got ten minutes under his belt.

Reading vs. Wigan Athletic: It’s us or them

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

2013-mcarthur

While it would be a bit extreme to label Saturday’s fixture against Reading a must-win, it is surely a must-not-lose. Neither scenario is arithmetically true, but if you take a good look at the surrounding teams in the league table — Reading simply has to be one of the three to go down if Wigan are to stay up. It’s a six-pointer, with even greater significance than the points lost or gained. Latics’ victory at Bolton this time last year not only kick-started their fantastic run of form, but sent Bolton spiraling towards the Championship.

So, no pressure then.

Recent loss at Tottenham aside, Reading find themselves in a rich vein of form — sixth in the Premier League form table after victories over Sunderland, Newcastle, West Brom and a creditable draw against Chelsea. Brian McDermott and super-sub Adam Le Fondre were named Premier League Manager and Player of the Month respectively, and spirits must be running high. They have developed a reputation for heroic comebacks and last-minute goals, both testament to their team spirit and fitness levels. It also speaks volumes of their home support. But you get the sense that they have been a bit lucky even if they’ve made that luck themselves through sheer desire — their goals tend to be scrappy. This is a team Wigan should be able to beat but as ever, it will depend on the defensive performance. If they can manage a win, Reading could slump back into 19th place, a cruelly deflating blow after their recent heroics.

From the Wigan perspective, Roberto Martinez’s decision to play a mixed team in the FA Cup instead of his customary second string approach means his team goes into the match with some positive momentum. Arouna Koné’s brace against Huddersfield should give him a shot of confidence, as will James McArthur’s cracker. The Scot has shown since the turn of the year that he can be a real attacking threat, a very positive revelation. Franco Di Santo was rested against Huddersfield but could return, while man of the match Callum McManaman continues to push for a start but may have to settle for a role as an impact sub unless Martinez opts for a 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 formation instead of his customary 3-4-3. Jordi Gomez, who scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture, will be hoping for a chance to increase his tally.

At the back, captain Gary Caldwell will likely return in place of understudy Roman Golobart, but his partners Maynor Figueroa and Paul Scharner should keep their places. Emmerson Boyce and Antolin Alcaraz are reportedly in contention for this game, although it’s safe to say only the former  is likely to be involved. A well-rested James McCarthy will return to midfield and his form is crucial to the club’s course over the final third of the season. Shaun Maloney, without a shadow of a doubt Wigan’s player of the season so far, will be hoping to add to his superbly well-taken goal against Chelsea against less-accomplished opposition.

It is always hard to quantify the value of experience in a football match or over the course of a season, but it most frequently boils down to keeping calm, making good decisions, and peaking when the time is right. Wigan Athletic are nothing if not experienced in these types of situations, while Reading are fairly fresh-faced. On current form and on paper, this should be a home win. But Wigan have done what’s necessary time and time again when it has mattered — particularly against direct rivals. You’d be a fool to bet against them.

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Down But Not Out

Posted by JJ (Tony) in Other, Reflections and tagged with , ,

Boxer

February tends to be a worrying month for Wigan Athletic followers and this year is no exception. We have come to the point in time when one starts to wonder what lies ahead for the club. Once more Wigan are in the relegation zone and the tide has still not turned in their favour. Can the team get its act together and deliver what it promises before it is too late and it falls through the trap door of relegation? Can the last minute survival act materialize this time around?  

It was in mid February last season when Latics had been on an 8 match losing streak, but went to Bolton and got a priceless victory to kick-start a revival. Criticism had been raining down from frustrated fans, vilifying the manager, asserting that certain players did not have Premier League  quality. There was a lobby from some who wanted  Roberto Martinez sacked.

Gary Caldwell was one of those players targeted as not being up to par, but he was to prove his critics wrong with a series of outstanding performances when the going was getting tough. Not only that,  but he was to be voted player of the season by the fans. Martinez’ team were to produce not only great results, but to achieve them through merit, playing champagne football in the process. Could the same thing happen again this season?

Wigan currently lie in 19th place with 21 points from 26 matches.  An average of a point per game over the course of a season is usually enough to keep clear of relegation. To get to that 38 point target, Latics would need to get 17 points from their last 12 matches.

Of the remaining games there are two which are extremely difficult – away to Manchester City and Arsenal. The home game against a Tottenham side seeking a top four finish is another difficult one, together with the upcoming visit of Liverpool. The remaining home games are against teams Wigan are good enough to beat: Newcastle, Norwich, Swansea and Aston Villa. The away games at Reading, QPR,  West Ham and West Bromwich are all tough, but winnable.

It is still not time to write off Wigan Athletic. The players are good enough to get the results needed for survival in the highly competitive Premier League. What is needed is just that little bit of luck here and there. Refereeing decisions  have been particularly unkind to Wigan this season and the injury situation has been dire. They say luck evens itself out over the course of a season. If that is the case then Wigan are certainly due to receive a bagful of it over these coming weeks. The chips are down, but don’t count Wigan Athletic out yet.

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Huddersfield Town 1 Wigan Athletic 4 – A Difference in Class

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

McManaman

A mixed Wigan Athletic team was far too strong for a mediocre home side and the scoreline reflected the difference in class between the two sides.

Despite the importance of next week’s game at Reading, Roberto Martinez decided to risk putting in a handful of his first choice players. Latics started with a flat back four, with Arouna Kone in the lone centre forward role and Callum McManaman on the left wing. The  central midfield players – Fyvie, McArthur, Espinoza and Gomez – were the key to dominating possession and putting Huddersfield under pressure from the get-go.

Despite a pitch churned up by a rugby match between teams from the same towns the previous day, Wigan were still able to display their usual brand of possession football. The directness and pace of Callum McManaman provided a cutting edge and he took his chance brilliantly when put through by James McArthur in the 31st minute. The young winger tormented the Terriers defence, particularly in the first hour.  It was no surprise when Kone added a second after 40 minutes, after McManaman had put in a low cross for Gomez’s blocked shot. In the 56th minute he was to combine with James McArthur, for the Scot to hit the target with a screamer from the edge of the box.

Huddersfield’s main form of attack was to pump high balls into the box, but Wigan’s two tallest central defenders – Roman Golobart and Paul Scharner – held firm. However, the ploy worked when substitute Lee Novak managed to outjump Maynor Figueroa to put the home team back in the game after 62 minutes.

Arouna Kone’s opportunist goal in the closing minutes, following a defensive mix up from the home side, put extra gloss on the scoreline for Wigan.

The Good

This result means that Wigan Athletic have made the last eight of the FA Cup for the second time in their history. However, an away trip in the next round to Everton or Oldham, is not going to be easy, particularly if it is to Merseyside.

Roberto Martinez made a brave move by putting in a higher proportion of first team regulars than expected. He had to make a conscious decision whether to risk his mainline players with a key relegation match looming. However, the positive scoreline from this match will surely help boost morale at a key time within the club. The  tactic of packing the midfield worked in this match.

The Bad

Huddersfield’s churned-up pitch – a reminder of what can happen when you share a ground with the local rugby team.

Interestingly the attendance for the Giants-Warriors rugby encounter was 8,023 and that for the FA Cup match was 12,117.

Player Ratings

Joel Robles: 6 – looked comfortable. Although he was rarely called into action,  he made a good save early in the second half  as Huddersfield threatened.

Ronnie Stam: 6 – one of his better games in an orthodox right back position. Has clearly been working hard on the defensive side of his game.

Roman Golobart: 7 – teamed up well with Scharner in the centre of defence.

Paul Scharner: 7 – calm and composed in the centre of defence.

Maynor Figueroa: 6 – captain for the day. Still clearly enjoys the left back position, which allows him the chance to go forward. Needs to work on challenging for aerial balls in the penalty box – it is not the first time this season he has been outjumped for a goal.

Fraser Fyvie: 7 – looked the part. Hardworking and did not waste the ball.

James McArthur: 8 – looked a class above his Huddersfield counterparts. His rocket shot for the third goal is one to be remembered.

Roger Espinoza: 6 –worked as hard as always, until taken off after 57 minutes.

Jordi Gomez: 6 – put in a useful stint, proving a link between midfield and attack.

Arouna Kone: 6 – worked hard as usual. His first goal was scored from an offside position, but he took his second goal well, blasting the ball past the keeper from just inside the box.

Callum McManaman: 8 – dangerous throughout. Took his goal really well and looked the part on the left wing. How much longer can he fail to make the starting lineup in the Premier League?

Substitutes:

Shaun Maloney – a capable replacement for Espinoza early in the second half.  Was his usual effervescent self, working hard, putting through nice passes.

Jean Beausejour – came on for Gomez after 74 minutes. Solid.

James McCarthy – came on in the last minute.

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