The opening day 3-1 victory over Northampton was an enjoyable occasion for Latics supporters. Ryan Lowe’s new team certainly showed promise for the season ahead.  However, it was followed by an abject defeat at Leyton Orient and an insipid League Cup win over League 2 Notts County.

Yesterday’s win over Peterborough once again suggested that Lowe’s Latics team have potential, albeit tempered by the fact that the visiting team’s starting lineup was inexperienced, their two oldest players being 25 years old, the average age being 23.

_{Players’ age stats courtesy of FotMob.com}

It is dangerous to make predictions at this stage of the season based on performances and results. Wigan’s best performances so far have been against two teams whose so far have gained just one point between them. Moreover, Peterborough had more than 70% possession and were awarded 10 corners compared with Wigan’s 3. Sadly, for the visitors, they could not show a cutting edge to their finishing.

However, green shoots have appeared to suggest that Lowe’s Latics have potential. The wing backs, Joe Hungbo and Fraser Murray, were excellent yesterday, as they had been against Northampton. Left wing back is a position that Hungbo is growing in to, having played as an inverted right winger previously. His approach burns up a lot of energy: he was substituted after 72 minutes yesterday, after 67 minutes against Orient and 70 minutes against Northampton. Hungbo has already shown the signs of becoming an effective wing back, a key component in Lowe’s system.

Murray really looks the part in the right wing back position, despite playing mainly on the left for Kilmarnock. His run and cross for Christian Saydee’s opening headed goal was quite superb. Murray is physically fit, intelligent, has excellent vision and gets himself into good attacking positions. He complements his attacking skills with sound defence and a determination to succeed.

Wing back is arguably the most physically demanding position to play in. Lowe has been dealt a cruel blow with Isaac Mabaya’s serious injury. He needs an alternative on the right-hand side as a backup to Murray. He has K’Marni Miller as a possibility for left wing back when fully fit. Already having a squad that needs to be reduced in size for economic reasons he will face difficulties finding someone to replace Mabaya.

Although they had such little possession Latics did create opportunities to increase their lead. However, the substitution of the defensively strong Luke Robinson for Hungbo, rather than Jonny Smith, signalled the manager’s intention of closing down the game. Peterborough did get into good positions around Wigan’s penalty area although they squandered their opportunities.

Another excellent performer yesterday was Christian Saydee. Not only was he in the right place to score the opening goal, but he had a fine all-round game. Saydee is not only physically very strong but has good skill on the ground, showing vision in finding teammates when under pressure. He is only 23 years old and looks like a bargain signing. Goalscoring is the side of his game that he really needs to work on.  His goal yesterday will do him a world of good.

Latics face trips to Luton and Rotherham this week. Each game will provide a stern test to Lowe’s squad which shows promise but still has a long way to go to prove itself as a contender in the upper reaches of the table.