tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73809868947783244782024-03-13T10:58:47.495+00:00Latics In A NutshellAn Independent Blog Covering All Things Wigan Athletic Football Club - Featured in Four Four Two (August 2012)Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-50904387235398797172013-04-11T20:06:00.000+01:002013-04-11T20:06:00.219+01:00QPR 1-1 Latics - Maloney gets Latics out of Jail
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Shaun Maloney’s last gasp equaliser ensured the Latics left <st1:street><st1:address>Loftus
Road</st1:address></st1:street> with a share of spoils after a disappointing
performance which saw them struggle against ten man QPR.</strong> </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Latics were unable to make their extra man advantage
count following Bobby Zamora’s red card for his high challenge on Jordi Gomez
that caught the Spaniard full on in the head. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4Nh84Y9P3Q/UWcJG8CIzCI/AAAAAAAAAM4/YJk_XIAUpuk/s1600/Queens-Park-Rangers-v-Wigan-Athletic-1817352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4Nh84Y9P3Q/UWcJG8CIzCI/AAAAAAAAAM4/YJk_XIAUpuk/s320/Queens-Park-Rangers-v-Wigan-Athletic-1817352.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Shaun Maloney</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It seemed that Roberto Martinez men looked set to pay the
ultimate price for their inability to break down their hosts, when Loic Remy
sensationally smashed home past Joel Robles with only six minutes left. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After enduring a frustrating afternoon the Latics looked set
to bring an end to their recent unbeaten run when Maynor Figueroa’s free kick
was charged down by Stephane Mbia, who then ran the length of the field to feed
Remy, who side footed home from 25 yards. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was only then that there seemed to be any immediate
urgency about the Latics play and they took full advantage of Mbia’s needless
challenge on Maloney. The Scottish international picked himself up to lift the
ball over the wall and into the back of the net to break QPR hearts, and surely
putting an end to their own great escape. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Despite the point the Latics are now in the bottom three and
will return to league action with two games in hand on their direct rivals. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The hosts headed into the game knowing they had to win to
have any chance of pulling themselves out of danger and started the brightest
striking the upright inside the opening ten minutes. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The momentum of the game quickly changed once <st1:city><st1:place>Zamora</st1:place></st1:city>
left referee Phil Dowd with no option but to show the red card after a brief discussion
with his assistant. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Latics took control of the play from then and they
finally began to threaten, but were unable to create any clear cut chances. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><st1:place>Wigan</st1:place> continued to press without much
joy and James McArthur spurned a golden opportunity when his free header was too
easy for Julio Cesar. Shortly after came the QPR sucker punch and it looked as
if the Latics recent unbeaten run would come to an end, but the goal kicked new
life into the visitors and they punished their hosts at the death and surely in
the process condemning them to relegation. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Up next for Roberto Martinez’s men is their historic FA Cup
semi final against Millwall on Saturday evening at Wembley, before they resume league action away to the current league champions Manchester City. </span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-17387004355583169552013-04-07T00:10:00.000+01:002013-04-07T00:10:29.796+01:00QPR v Wigan - Premier League Preview
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The Latics head
down to </span><st1:street><st1:address><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Loftus
Road</span></st1:address></st1:street></strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><strong>
on Sunday afternoon in what is a crucial encounter that could see them cut
their hosts adrift in the fight for survival.</strong> </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">After securing crucial back to back home league wins the Latics now face three trips on the road
in the league that will go a long way in deciding their fate. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Roberto Martinez’s
men will be confident of continuing their impressive recent run away from the
DW, which has seen them defeated only once in nine, since their Boxing Day
defeat at Everton. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZEXxztuItI/UWCkOv97ZTI/AAAAAAAAAMo/_DnQL3kEQro/s1600/Wigan-v-Norwich-Callum-McManaman-pa_2922881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZEXxztuItI/UWCkOv97ZTI/AAAAAAAAAMo/_DnQL3kEQro/s320/Wigan-v-Norwich-Callum-McManaman-pa_2922881.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Callum McMannaman</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Sunday’s clash presents
the perfect opportunity for the Latics to kill off the QPR revival. Harry
Redknapp’s fell to their second defeat in a row on Monday evening against
Fulham, where they paid the ultimate price for a catastrophic first half
display. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saturday’s results
have seen the Latics return to the drop zone but are only one point adrift of </span><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Sunderland</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Unlike previous
seasons the Latics know that if they do their own job they will secure top
flight football for a ninth consecutive season. Their recent form has seen a
number of clubs above them being dragged into the dog fight and unlike many the
Latics are seasoned relegation fighters. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Places in the
starting XI for next week’s cup semi final against Millwall are up for grabs
and </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> will be looking to use this as motivation on Sunday: “We know that playing at Wembley is a unique experience,
but we see that as something to enjoy and look forward while understanding the
real importance is the league.”</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">“Both competitions
go hand in hand, and success in one helps to bring success in the other. The
competition for places is as strong as it’s ever been. That brings confidence
and a real desire for every game you play.”</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Ivorian
international Arouna Kone has impressed hugely following his stint at the
African Cup of Nations, and has netted four in last four games including the
crucial late winners against </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Newcastle</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> and </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Norwich</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lsCVhkyxo0I/UWCjsppMIMI/AAAAAAAAAMg/y_WLz7C_wuk/s1600/Arouna+Kone+Wigan+Athletic+v+West+Ham+United+D54cyuR3nirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lsCVhkyxo0I/UWCjsppMIMI/AAAAAAAAAMg/y_WLz7C_wuk/s320/Arouna+Kone+Wigan+Athletic+v+West+Ham+United+D54cyuR3nirl.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Arouna Kone</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Kone looks to be
the key man in the run in and will once again lead the line as </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> looks set to stick with the same XI for the
fourth consecutive game. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The form of Antolin
Alcaraz has been a huge bonus for </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">, since his return from a long lay off the
Paraguayan international has provided crucial security at the heart of the
defence alongside Paul Scharner.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">The performances of on loan keeper Joel Robles has come as a breath of fresh air for the Latics as he has repaid the faith shown in by Martinez.</span> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">With Wembley on the
horizon fans will be looking to enjoy their weekend in the spotlight, without
worrying too much about matters in the league. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> has targeted ten points from his side’s
final eight matches and three points at </span><st1:street><st1:address><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Loftus Road</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> would once again ease the pressure on the
Latics and turn up the heat on their rivals. </span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-66780147378781005882013-03-31T02:33:00.000+01:002013-03-31T02:33:29.344+01:00Latics 1-0 Norwich - Kone to the Rescue
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Arouna Kone was once again the hero after his late winner lifted the Latics out of the drop zone and increased the pressure on the teams just above them as they secured back to back league wins. </span></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></strong></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A dull affair was
decided with only nine minutes left when Jordi Gomez played in Kone, who fired delightfully
past stand in Canaries keeper Lee Camp. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.football365.com/13/03/800x600/arouna-kone-wigan-athletic-norwich-city-premier-league-football_2922526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images.football365.com/13/03/800x600/arouna-kone-wigan-athletic-norwich-city-premier-league-football_2922526.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Arouna Kone </strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
The Ivorian followed up his last gasp winner versus <st1:city><st1:place><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Newcastle</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> before the international break with his 10<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> league goal of the season and he looks set to break Henri Camara’s Latics top flight record of twelve goals. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The visitors
started the brighter of the two sides, with the returning international Latics unable
to settle into a rhythm, and they looked set to continue their wretched run of
having not won following an international break. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Paul Scharner was
cautioned very early on when he brought down the tricky Robert Snodgrass, but
the Canaries were unable to capitalize from the resulting set piece. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Latics
gradually found their passing game as the opening half came to a close with Callum
McMannaman miscuing and Kone unable to direct an effort on target. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Antolin Alcaraz was
excellent all afternoon, nullifying the Canaries attacking threat and he provided
essential cover on a number of occasions for an erratic Scharner. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The frustration for
the home fans continued well into the second period as </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">’s men were unable to create much despite
sustained periods of possession. With only 20 minutes left to play the home
side cranked up the pressure on their visitors, with first Alcaraz going close
with a header and then James McCarthy going close from distance. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Michael Turner sensationally
blocked Gomez’s effort inside his own six yard box as Chris Hughton’s men
looked as if they would secure their fourteenth draw of the season. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Despite poor
service all afternoon Kone was still alive to the play and was the grateful recipient
of Gomez’s delightful through ball after
a mix-up involving referee Howard Webb. Keeper Camp will perhaps feel he should
have done better with the arrowed effort on his first full league start for the
Canaries.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://e1.365dm.com/13/03/504x378/Wigan-v-Norwich-Antolin-Alcaraz-Kei-Kamara_2922418.jpg?20130330161347" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://e1.365dm.com/13/03/504x378/Wigan-v-Norwich-Antolin-Alcaraz-Kei-Kamara_2922418.jpg?20130330161347" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Antolin Alcaraz </strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The visitors failed to test Joel Robles and didn't register an effort on target all afternoon, as the Latics finally picked up their first home clean sheet of the season.</span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">His goal was
nothing more than Kone deserved, and as he made way in added on time for Franco Di
Santo he soaked up the applause of the adoring DW. </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It was a difficult watch for many but the fact that his side were able
to come out on top without being at the best in an attacking sense was a huge
positive for </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> who spoke after the game: “I don’t think we
were stylish as we normally are, but what we showed is incredible character.
Every player found a way to help keep </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Norwich</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> very quiet.”</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Spaniard went on to praise his lone front man: “It was that
little but of quality at the other end that decided it. Just as it seemed it wouldn’t quite
fall for us, the ball from Jordi Gomez was fantastic, a clinical ball, and the
finish from Arouna Kone was just what he deserved for his work ethic.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Kone was the focal
point of everything that the Latics did well today and he is going to be the
key man for </span><st1:place><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Wigan</span></st1:place><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">, as they prepare for three consecutive
trips to the capital, before they next take to the field at DW against Spurs at the
end of April.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The month kicks off
with the league game at QPR before the historic Wembley FA Cup Semi Final with
Millwall rounded off with the trip to West Ham.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-45061212080153901132013-03-29T21:24:00.003+00:002013-03-29T21:26:04.194+00:00Latics v Norwich City - Premier League <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">LaticsInANutshell is
back and returns previewing the visit of Norwich City, in what is a must win
game for the Latics as they prepare for another fight to stay amongst the
elite. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></b><br />
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Arouna Kone’s dramatic
late winner against </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><st1:city><st1:place>Newcastle</st1:place></st1:city></span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> before the international break, fired Roberto Martinez's men latest great escape act into action. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmI_-i_I6YE/UVYF0_dVVGI/AAAAAAAAAMI/CDu0fslMyUQ/s1600/Arouna-Kone-Southampton-v-Wigan-Premier-Leagu_2827538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmI_-i_I6YE/UVYF0_dVVGI/AAAAAAAAAMI/CDu0fslMyUQ/s320/Arouna-Kone-Southampton-v-Wigan-Premier-Leagu_2827538.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Arouna Kone</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><u1:p></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Martinez will be looking
for his side to carry through the momentum that they have gathered over the
last few weeks, and will be hopeful of naming the same XI for a third consecutive
game. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Callum McMannaman and
Antolin Alcaraz are both being monitored ahead of the visit of the Canaries,
who themselves could well be dragged into the relegation scrap with defeat on
Saturday. On loan keeper Joel Robles looks to have won the battle for the number
1 spot for the time being, and </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><st1:city><st1:place>Martinez</st1:place></st1:city></span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> will be looking to stick with a settled side
during the run in. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Despite having never
beaten their visitors in the league the Latics will be confident of securing
the victory that would see them move out of drop zone until Sunday at least. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><u1:p> </u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="normalweb10" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is a crucial phase of the season for the Latics, with a clash with
fellow relegation strugglers QPR next in the league followed by the FA Cup
semi-final with Millwall. Martinez’s men will be seeking a first clean sheet on
home soil this season, and will be looking to improve on a record of 13 points
from the DW (the joint worst in the league with QPR). <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><u1:p> </u1:p></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normalweb10" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aGIMIwRQHws/UVYGPizqngI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/ksXzKI-Xnqw/s1600/article-0-158F8711000005DC-643_468x371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aGIMIwRQHws/UVYGPizqngI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/ksXzKI-Xnqw/s320/article-0-158F8711000005DC-643_468x371.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Antolin Alcaraz</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="normalweb10" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But it will be tough against a Norwich side who still need the points to
guarantee another season in the top flight who are currently in 12<sup>th</sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the table, and were impressive in their
draw away to Sunderland despite playing with ten men for long periods.<u1:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="normalweb10" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Since his return from the African Cup of Nations striker Kone has
been in sensational form and the Latics will be once again looking to him to lead
the line. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="normalweb10" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Over recent weeks there has been a confidence about the Latics that has
seen an upturn in fortunes and I believe they will have enough to overcome
Norwich and really drag the Canaries and others around them into the dogfight
which will take centre stage at the business end of the season.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
</span></span><br />Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-51719221903110407942012-12-02T23:07:00.001+00:002012-12-02T23:07:12.042+00:00Newcastle v Latics Premier League Preview <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Latics head north on
Monday evening, to take on an out of sorts Newcastle United as they kick off the
crucial busy festive period. </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Roberto Martinez will be
grateful of the extra 48 hours break given to both sides as a result of the
game being switched for Sky’s Monday Night Football coverage, as he looks for more luck on the injury front. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wigantoday.net/webimage/1.4736444.1342169446!image/2618418107.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_595/2618418107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://www.wigantoday.net/webimage/1.4736444.1342169446!image/2618418107.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_595/2618418107.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Gary Caldwell</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Having headed into the
midweek clash against the Champions without all three first choice centre half’s, the Spaniard could well be forced to stick with same defensive line. Captain Gary Caldwell and midfielder
David Jones are both rated as 50-50. Meanwhile </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Antolin Alcaraz, Albert Crusat, Ivan Ramis and Ben Watson are all ruled
out with various ongoing injuries.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Both
sides head into the clash separated by only goal difference, as Newcastle boss
Alan Pardew looks to avoid a third straight home defeat and bring an end to
five game winless run. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11.0pt;">Injuries
and European football have exposed the lack of depth in the Geordie team, as
they focussed much of the summer in hanging onto prized assets rather than add
to an already small squad. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Pardew will not be able to call upon the
services of the influential midfield pairing of Yohan Cabaye and Haten Ben Arfa, who both look set for </span><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">lengthy</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> spells on the sidelines.
Elsewhere centre half Steven Taylor was also added to a growing injury list
this week and utility man James Perch is suspended. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On what is expected to be a
bitterly cold night the Latics will look to heap more pressure on the home side
and keep the crowd quiet. They will gain confidence from their last outing
against City where they were arguably the better side for large parts and
created a number of openings. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Arouna Kone and Franco Di Santo led the line </span><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">impressively</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> and Jordi Gomez was unfortunate not to have been awarded a </span><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">penalty</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> before half time. Despite the absence of his first choice centre half's Martinez will have been encouraged by the performance of Adrian Lopez who lead the line and held his own against the Champions. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.teamtalk.com/11/08/640/Adrian-Lopez_2636129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images.teamtalk.com/11/08/640/Adrian-Lopez_2636129.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Adrian Lopez</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Elsewhere the Latics have
secured a home tie in the Third Round of the FA Cup against League One outfit
AFC Bournemouth and will be keen to make up for the Carling Cup </span><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">disappointment</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> with a run in the Cup. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before the the cup kicks in, they head into a busy and potentially season defining festive period, with games
against QPR, Norwich, Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa to come before they face
Manchester United on New Year’s day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Much will depend on Monday
evening if </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">’s men are in the mood to impress, the Spaniard warned ahead of the game that this is potentially a bad time to take on </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Newcastle,</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> but will want to take </span><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">advantage</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> of the situation and
move clear of Newcastle and the teams below them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">For the fans heading up north
they will take heart from their last two Monday night outings where they
secured memorable victories against Arsenal and </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Blackburn</span></st1:place></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> securing their top flight status in the process. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-60067764850786182282012-11-27T22:20:00.000+00:002012-11-27T22:20:02.135+00:00Latics v Manchester City - Premier League Preview<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Latics
welcome the </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Champions</span></st1:placename><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Manchester</span></st1:placename><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-size: 10pt;">City</span></st1:placetype></st1:place></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b> to the DW Stadium in Wednesday night’s
televised game, as they go in search of back to back home wins for the first time this season.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Roberto Martinez
must deal with an injury crisis as he prepares to do battle against Roberto Mancini’s
unbeaten team. <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Shaun Maloney and captain Gary Caldwell face late fitness tests ahead of the game, with stand in skipper Ivan Ramis also struggling with a hamstring injury which forced him during their last gasp win against </span><st1:city style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Reading</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02409/jordi-gomez_2409319b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02409/jordi-gomez_2409319b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Jordi Gomez</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Better news
for </span><st1:city style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> is that he is likely to be able to
call upon James McArthur and Franco Di Santo, who both featured off the bench
on Saturday. <span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Midfielders Albert Crusat
and Ben Watson miss out, while winger Ryo Miyaichi and defender Antolin Alcaraz
remain on the sidelines.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Latics
will be keen to avenge last season’s 1-0 defeat at home to City and will also
look to bring an end to a run of five consecutive defeats against the blue half
of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Manchester</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> will be looking for his side to
build on the comeback win at the weekend and will once again look towards
hat-trick hero Jordi Gomez to inspire and create. The gifted Spaniard has been
the victim of continual abuse from certain sections of the DW crowd, but his
display against the Royals will have gone a long way to silence the critics. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/multimedia/dynamic/00705/Vincent_Kompany__705884t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/multimedia/dynamic/00705/Vincent_Kompany__705884t.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Vincent Kompany</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As for the
visitors despite still being unbeaten Mancini will not be happy with his side,
knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage for the second
consecutive season, many believe nothing but a second title will ensure he
holds onto his job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">French international Gael Clichy remains on the injury list having
missed the last two matches with an ankle problem. Captain Vincent Kompany felt
no ill effects after his 90-minute performance against </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Chelsea</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Midfielder
Jack Rodwell is making progress but not ready to feature, while right-back
Micah Richards remains out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Joleon
Lescott is fit again after injury, but the </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">England</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> international is not
expecting to replace Matija Nastasic in the starting XI.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite the difficulty of the task ahead of the Latics they
will be confident of once again upsetting the odds, and will only need to look
back to when they beat the then current Champions Manchester United at the DW
Stadium. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Home form needs to be more consistent if they are to avoid
another battle to avoid the drop, and a third win of the season in front of
their own fans would be very welcome.</span></span></div>
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Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-56681264507544748592012-11-17T19:34:00.000+00:002012-11-17T19:34:07.962+00:00Liverpool 3-0 Latics – Suarez Overpowers Latics<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A poor second half performance ensured the Latics fell to a
second consecutive defeat, against a Luis Suarez inspired Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Having gone into the clash unbeaten in their last five games against the red side of Merseyside, the Latics headed into the game confident that they could pile more misery onto Brendan Rodgers’ men. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/2wigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://assets1.lfcimages.com/uploads/2wigan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Luis Suarez & Ivan Ramis</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Roberto Martinez opted to field the same XI who fell short against West Brom last weekend, with the influential James McArthur missing out once again with a dead leg. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />The Latics frustrated the home side throughout the first period and restricted them to very few chances, with the impressive Jose Enrique, going close with an effort just wide from the edge of the area, and Daniel Agger went close shortly afterwards nodding past the post from a corner. <br /><br />Martinez was forced into a change on the half hour mark with Ben Watson coming off for David Watson. <br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Moments before half-time, Enrique just failed to turn home, with Al-Habsi producing a smart stop to ensure the two sides went in at the break level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Latics hardwork in the first half was undone within a devastating twenty minutes as<br />Liverpool were unplayable for large periods and took the lead with Suarez emphatically striking home, after Raheem Sterling took advantage of some lapse play in the Latics midfield. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Enrique grew increasingly influential as the game during the second period and was on hand to see Suarez net his second after a great run and assist from the Spaniard. The former Newcastle man rounded off the scoring as he was left unmarked after some neat play between the delightful Suarez and existing Sterling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />The Latics were unable to get a foothold on the second half as they were unable to live with Liverpool as they secured only their third league win of the season and stretched their unbeaten run to seven games. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets2.lfcimages.com/uploads/7wigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://assets2.lfcimages.com/uploads/7wigan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Ali Al Habsi</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Martinez will have wanted to extend his side’s recent unbeaten run against the team he turned down in the summer, and will feel that his side were unlucky to have conceded the third and ultimately the killer blow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Ivan Ramis’s touch seemed to have deflected off Suarez but the Uruguayan was given the decision which resulted in Enrique’s goal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Although he will not have many arguments with the overall result as his side were second best for much of the contest and were lucky not to have conceded more late on as the home side wasted a number of chances. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Up next for the Latics are two home clashes, first against Reading who themselves picked up their first win of the season against inform Everton. Martinez will be keen to ensure that his side arrest a run of two straight defeats as we head into the busy winter period. </span>Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-86553348085217580662012-11-16T16:52:00.001+00:002012-11-16T16:52:39.361+00:00Liverpool v Latics - Premier League Preview <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The Latics prepare ahead of trip to Anfield on Saturday afternoon, as they look to continue their impressive recent record against the five time European Champions. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Roberto Martinez’s men will have fond memories of their last trip to Anfield, when they left with all three points which sparked the great escape of last season, into life. Despite a number of changes at Anfield since March, the Latics will be confident of continuing Liverpool’s awful home record in 2012.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F87Gwuv8SgM/UKZt8WA6acI/AAAAAAAAAKI/I2DaBOAAGM8/s1600/image-2-for-liverpool-fc-1-wigan-2-gallery-226925681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F87Gwuv8SgM/UKZt8WA6acI/AAAAAAAAAKI/I2DaBOAAGM8/s320/image-2-for-liverpool-fc-1-wigan-2-gallery-226925681.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Gary Caldwell </strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Having spoken in the week about his vision of a top ten spot, Martinez will be keen to ensure his side pick up and recover from last weekend’s defeat against West Brom. Having also turned down the opportunity to take the Anfield hot seat he will be keen to show Liverpool and their fans, what his side can really do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Liverpool are currently on an unbeaten run of six league matches, but the frustration continues as they have only secured two wins during this run. Luis Suarez has been at the heart of pretty much everything that has been good for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season and poses the main threat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Martinez has had good news on the injury front ahead of the short trip to Merseyside, with on loan Japanese Ryo Miyachi star likely to return to the match day squad after missing the last month’s action. The influential James McArthur will be given right up kick off to prove his fitness, as the Scottish international recovers from a dead leg. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms0csZgOOI0/UKZtmWtZiMI/AAAAAAAAAKA/UvooKYirlWU/s1600/article-2233256-1607F6C1000005DC-311_634x545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms0csZgOOI0/UKZtmWtZiMI/AAAAAAAAAKA/UvooKYirlWU/s320/article-2233256-1607F6C1000005DC-311_634x545.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Franco Di Santo & Lionel Messi </strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Long term absentee Antolin Alcaraz will miss out once again, with the Paraguayan international Alcaraz making steady progress during his long term rehabilitation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Latics look set to stick with roughly the same XI that started last week, with James McArthur possibly replacing last week’s man of the match Ben Watson. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martinez will also have newly capped Argentine international Franco Di Santo to call upon as he returned from his duty unhurt if as did Oman international keeper Ali Al Habsi. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A similar performance to the one they predicted at White Hart Lane a fortnight ago is exactly what is required on Saturday afternoon. A disciplined performance through tout the spine will frustrate Liverpool and will ensure that the crowd get on their back and will allow for the Latics to be just as expressive on the ball as they were in March. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Consistency is key if the Latics are to indeed kick on and make the push for a top half finish, a run of unbeaten games is needed if they are to avoid the usual mid winter despair. </span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-84133364182598377242012-11-11T00:01:00.001+00:002012-11-11T00:01:49.092+00:00Latics 1-2 West Brom – Latics Run Halted By Impressive Baggies<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Latics were unable to secure a third straight victory on
Saturday afternoon, as an impressive <st1:place>West Brom</st1:place>
maintained their excellent start to the season. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Scottish international James Morrison headed past Ali Al
Habsi, before full back Billy Jones broke free inside the area to see his
effort deflected into the net off Gary Caldwell. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01617/Kone_600x338_1617646a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01617/Kone_600x338_1617646a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Arouna Kone </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Latics response was immediate with Arouna Kone getting
on the end Jean Beausejour’s low cross to reduce areas before the break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite the obvious boost that the goal provided Roberto
Martinez’s men they were unable to break down Steve Clarke’s organised unit. The
Baggies continually posed a threat on the break with on loan <st1:city>Chelsea</st1:city>
forward Romelu Lukaku denied by a great save from Al Habsi. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Led by the centre half pairing of Gareth McAuley and Jonas
Olsson, the Baggies held firm, as the Latics went
in search of their second, despite having much of the possession clear cut
chances were at a premium. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having secured a memorable away win at Tottenham last
weekend, the Latics were unable to replicate their free flowing forward play,
on what proved to be a frustrating afternoon for all involved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite starting brightly the Latics were unable to make
their early dominance count with Ben Watson controlling the midfield last
week’s match winner went close with a long range effort. Despite looking un
easy Welsh keeper Boaz Myhill, who was starting his first game since conceding
six on international duty, was not tested enough and was allowed to find his
way into the game.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/wigan-athletic-v-west-bromwich-20121110-080219-275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/wigan-athletic-v-west-bromwich-20121110-080219-275.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Billy Jones</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Watson’s second half effort was kept out by Myhill and
Chilean international Beausejour was unable to keep his follow up down. Shaun
Maloney went close late on but they were unable to find the all important
equaliser.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Up next for the Latics is a trip to <st1:place>Liverpool</st1:place>,
where they will hope to reproduce their performance last season when they left
Anfield with all three points, which sparked the great escape. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fans will keep an eye on Franco Di Santo who could line up
alongside Lionel Messi for his <st1:country-region>Argentina</st1:country-region>
debut as they take on <st1:country-region>Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region>
in midweek. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><st1:city>Martinez</st1:city> will be
keen to ensure that his other international stars return from midweek friendly
duty unhurt, as they prepare to clock up the miles, ahead of the return to <st1:place>Wigan</st1:place>
in time for the short trip to Merseyside on Saturday. </span></div>
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Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-16761882794812448312012-11-09T17:52:00.001+00:002012-11-09T17:52:59.013+00:00Latics v West Brom - Premier League Preview <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The Latics head into their clash with in form West Brom on Saturday afternoon, looking for their third consecutive league win of the campaign as they kick off a run of three home games during November. </strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Roberto Martinez’s men responded perfectly to a six game winless run, with back to back wins at home West Ham and away to Tottenham. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Je3UWuHO2Q/UJ1BDSN3VjI/AAAAAAAAAJo/IXi-O7aqxY0/s1600/Arouna-Kone-George-McCartney-Wigan-v-West-Ham_2851745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Je3UWuHO2Q/UJ1BDSN3VjI/AAAAAAAAAJo/IXi-O7aqxY0/s320/Arouna-Kone-George-McCartney-Wigan-v-West-Ham_2851745.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Arouna Kone </strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">November looks set to be pivotal month for the Latics and their ambitions for the campaign, with three home games and a trip to the hit and miss Liverpool, November could see the Latics looking up the table rather than down. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Much is made of the usually poor early season form from the Latics, but recent performances will encourage both Martinez and fans alike. Both the tempo and fluidity of the last two outings have been reminiscent of their form at the back end of last season, during the memeorable great escape. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Martinez talked this week of how he feels he made the right decision in staying with the Latics during the summer and sees this season as the next chapter in the club’s history. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Facing them at the DW are Steve Clarke’s inform West Brom who find themselves in fifth position level on points with Everton who currently occupy the final Champions League spot. Encouragingly for the Latics, the Baggies are winless on the road this season having lost three of their four outings to date. </span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWNRSgkmFSk/UJ1Coi8otuI/AAAAAAAAAJw/SnoNWC0UVM8/s1600/_56509652_ben_watson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WWNRSgkmFSk/UJ1Coi8otuI/AAAAAAAAAJw/SnoNWC0UVM8/s320/_56509652_ben_watson.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Ben Watson</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Having suffered an injury time defeat at Newcastle a few weeks ago the Baggies will look to give their travelling support something to shout about this weekend. Although they haven't had the best of recent encounters with Wigan, failing to win the last four, including last season’s 1-1 draw. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As for team news Martinez looks set to stick with the XI that won at White Hart Lane last weekend, with Scottish international James McArthur is rated as 50-50, with match winner Ben Watson likely to retain his starting spot. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ryo Miyachi is one again out with an ongoing groin injury and Albert Crusat and Antolin Alcaraz will miss out, with return dates for both still unknown.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As shown at the back end of last season momentum and confidence is vital for Martinez and his team, he explained that in managing to keep the core of his team together during the summer transfer window has provided him with the perfect opportunity to make clear progress this season. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Games at home this season regardless of the opposition, based on last week’s performance are evidently winnable and will have many of the fans heading to the DW quietly confident this season. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-52902957290799658262012-11-03T19:36:00.000+00:002012-11-03T19:36:51.116+00:00Tottenham 0-1 Latics – Watson Strike Seals Impressive Win <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Latics stunned Tottenham at <st1:street>White
Hart Lane</st1:street> on Saturday afternoon, as Ben Watson
solitary strike was enough to give the Latics their second consecutive league
win. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Watson became the first English man to score for the Latics
this calendar year, when he netted from close range after Brad Friedel failed
to deal with Shaun Maloney’s corner. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.football365.com/12/11/800x600/Watson_2855431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images.football365.com/12/11/800x600/Watson_2855431.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Arouna Kone, Ivan Ramis & Ben Watson</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Roberto Martinez’s men put in an inch perfect defensive performance and going forward they had much of the game and created the better chance throughout. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Latics were on the front foot from the outset and kept
the Spurs backline busy, as they carved out three great chances during the
opening period. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Veteran keeper Friedel was on hand to deny both Maloney and
Arouna Kone, as the pair linked up to great effect all afternoon, and match
winner Watson fired over from range in the first half.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Latics were finally rewarded for their dominance early
into the second period, when Friedel was unable to keep Watson’s effort from
going across the line. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Much of the pre match talk had focussed on how the Latics
would deal with the inform Gareth Bale, and <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city>’s
men responded by doubling up on the Welsh star, disturbing his influence on proceedings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://u.goal.com/224800/224878hp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://u.goal.com/224800/224878hp2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Gareth Bale & Jean Beausejour </b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wigan</st1:place><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">’s goal early into the second
period stunned </span><st1:street style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">White Hart Lane</st1:street><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">,
and this seemed to affect the home side, and voiced their disapproval when
Jermain Defoe was changed for Emmanuel Adebayor shortly after the opening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite needing to chase the game the Latics saw out the game
with some ease, with Steven Caulker’s header the only real concern for Ali Al
Habsi. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The centre half pair of Ivan Ramis and captain Gary Caldwell
through themselves at every Spurs effort and frustrated the home side to great
affect. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite the expected late onslaught the Latics held firm and
secured their second victory in a week and moves them onto eleven points and up
to eleventh place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The victory signals a fantastic start to November as the
Latics still face a trip to <st1:place>Liverpool,</st1:place> along with three
crucial home games as the season really begins to take shape. </span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-63012595450896439752012-11-03T00:43:00.000+00:002012-11-03T00:47:05.912+00:00Latics v Tottenham - Premier League Preview <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Latics
are aiming to bounce back from their midweek cup exit at the hands of <st1:place><st1:placename>Bradford</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>City,</st1:placetype></st1:place> as they go in search of back to
back league wins for the first time this season, against in a form Tottenham at
<st1:street><st1:address>White
Heart Lane</st1:address></st1:street>. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Roberto
Martinez opted to make nine changes to his starting XI on Tuesday evening, and
is likely to call upon the same side that secured their first home league win
of the campaign against West Ham last weekend. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/polopoly_fs/nls_wk38_11_franco_di_santo_1_1031240!image/2053789667.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/2053789667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/polopoly_fs/nls_wk38_11_franco_di_santo_1_1031240!image/2053789667.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/2053789667.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Franco Di Santo</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Long term
absentees Albert Crusat and Antolin Alcaraz are still unavailable while Ryo Miyaichi
is still struggling with injury following his return from international duty
with </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Spaniard will be looking towards striker Franco Di Santo to the line, who was rewarded for his fine recent form with his first senior international call up for Argentina, for their friendly with Saudi Arabia this month.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Despite
also being knocked out of the Capital One Cup in midweek, Spurs head into the
game in great form and currently find themselves in fourth spot. The Latics
will have to ensure that the influential Gareth Bale is kept quiet, as he
netted three times against them last season.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Three
seasons ago the Latics suffered a humiliating 9-1 defeat at <st1:street><st1:address>White Hart Lane</st1:address></st1:street>, but followed that up with a 1-0
win of their own, the following season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.soccersouls.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Gareth-Bale-Tottenham-Hot-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://www.soccersouls.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Gareth-Bale-Tottenham-Hot-007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Gareth Bale</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Having been
able to pull off a number of great escapes in previous seasons, this campaign has
been seen by Martinez as a significant one, where he is keen for his side to be
genuinely considered as an established Premier League side.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In order to
achieve this, a level of consistency must me maintained, as <st1:city><st1:place>Martinez</st1:place></st1:city> explained to the media on Friday afternoon:
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">“Now is the time to bring
consistency in performances and results which is where our focus is right now.”</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“We know it’s going to
be a tough game for us but our aim is to carry on the good football shown
against West Ham United last weekend, taking that level of performance to <st1:street><st1:address>White Hart Lane</st1:address></st1:street> to be as good as we can
be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“There are lessons to
take from our last two away games against <st1:place>Sunderland</st1:place> and <st1:place><st1:placename>Swansea</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>City</st1:placetype></st1:place>, aspects of our game
that need to improve if we are to get a positive result on the road.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In what is already
shaping up to be a tough November, with <st1:place>Liverpool</st1:place>, <st1:place>West Brom</st1:place>, <st1:city><st1:place>Reading</st1:place></st1:city> and the <st1:place><st1:placename>Champions</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Manchester</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>City</st1:placetype></st1:place> to come. <st1:city><st1:place>Martinez</st1:place></st1:city> and his team know that
the next month will determine their season and they will be looking to pick up
something on the road and will of course have fond memories of their last trip
to <st1:place>North London</st1:place> when they beat Spurs’ rivals Arsenal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-36477895354565378512012-10-31T17:58:00.001+00:002012-10-31T21:39:18.650+00:00Latics 0-0 Bradford City AET – Bradford win 4-2 on penalties – Latics Suffer Penalty Misery <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The Latics were made to pay for repeated miss chances, as they crashed out of the Capital One Cup on penalties to League Two side Bradford City on Tuesday night. </strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After a goalless 120 minutes, Shaun Maloney fired over from the spot, and Jordi Gomez’s tame effort was saved by Matt Duke, as the Bantams clinically disposed all four of their kicks from twelve yards. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was a frustrating night for the Latics as the dominated much of the game but were unable to find any real penetration, at a rain swept DW stadium. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFwMj211klU/UJFlu5UoEDI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/YPez3get71o/s1600/article-2225429-15C46EA8000005DC-879_634x439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" qea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFwMj211klU/UJFlu5UoEDI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/YPez3get71o/s320/article-2225429-15C46EA8000005DC-879_634x439.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Jordi Gomez </strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Manager Roberto Martinez ran the changes with only Ivan Ramis (who captained the team) and Ali Al Habsi retaining their places after the weekend’s win against West Ham. Ben Watson played in an unfamiliar centre half role alongside Ramis, and Adrian Lopez. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ramis looked to have given the Latics the lead early into the game put his header was ruled out for offside from Gomez’s free kick. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gomez was at the heart of everything that was good with the Latics play and went close on two separate occasions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As the game wore on the Latics were unable to break down a stubborn visiting backline, with the midfield unable to stamp their usual authority on the game. As a result clear cut chances for both front men Mauro Boselli and Callum McManaman. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Argentine ensured a frustration evening as he was unable to create anything of real note throughout. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Boosted by a 5,000 strong following Bradford carved out their only clear cut chance with 15 mins left of normal time when former West Ham player Zavon Hines broke free, only to be denied smartly by Al Habsi. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Late on first team regular Jean Beasejour and Maloney brought about some much needed composure to the Latics forward play.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They should have sealed a place in the final eight deep into extra time when Gomez missed when he was through on goal with only Duke to beat. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrJBMR8-JBE/UJFmANOlUQI/AAAAAAAAAJY/fGcD_cJB8Tc/s1600/Franco-Di-Santo-Wigan-Athletic-Everton-Premie_2840475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" qea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrJBMR8-JBE/UJFmANOlUQI/AAAAAAAAAJY/fGcD_cJB8Tc/s320/Franco-Di-Santo-Wigan-Athletic-Everton-Premie_2840475.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Franco Di Santo</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The miss summed up the evening for Martinez men who despite controlling the tie never looked as if they were going to actually win and the defeat will be hard to take for fans who saw the competition as a genuine chance of progress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Elsewhere there was good news for Franco Di Santo who managed a surprise call up to Argentina’s friendly squad against Saudi Arabia in November, he will line up in a forward line boasting the likes of Carlos Tevez, Higuain and of course Lionel Messi. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Up next is a trip to Tottenham on Saturday and a start of a tough period, which includes Liverpool, Manchester City and inform West Brom. Martinez will look to pick his players up as they aim for all three points. </span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-29082400389474024962012-10-29T14:12:00.000+00:002012-10-29T14:13:34.910+00:00Latics v Bradford City - Captial One Cup Fourth Round Preview<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Roberto Martinez is set to use Tuesday night’s cup tie as an opportunity to give his fringe players some valuable game time, as he sets sights on a place in the last eight of the competition. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong>League Two’s Bradford City are the opposition on what will be the first game under the floodlights of the DW stadium this season and they will be confident of causing an upset. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eI6zUZpppgI/UI6NJKapDZI/AAAAAAAAAI0/BUOSrM6CFTQ/s1600/Mauro-Boselli-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" qea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eI6zUZpppgI/UI6NJKapDZI/AAAAAAAAAI0/BUOSrM6CFTQ/s320/Mauro-Boselli-008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Mauro Boselli</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Latics are set to be without on loan Arsenal midfield Ryo Miyaichi who also missed the weekend’s victory against West Ham, the Japan international has been sidelined with a troubling groin injury for a few weeks now. <br /><br />Definitely out are Antolin Alcaraz and Albert Crusat, with manager Martinez unable to provide an expected return date for both just yet. <br /><br />The Latics will be without Scottish international midfielder James McArthur who picked up his fifth booking of the season late on during Saturday’s defeat of West Ham, with David Jones, Ben Watson and Jordi Gomez all battling for a start in his place. <br /><br />Record signing Mauro Boselli is set to start and will be keen to impress once again, having netted three times in his two previous cup outings. Youngster Callum McMannaman is also set to feature after a number of promising substitute appearances this season. <br /><br />The tie provides the Latics with a great opportunity to progress into the last eight of a major trophy and will have many dreaming of a cup run reminiscent of the 2005/06 season. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_aFHaP6iOU/UI6NfV4pNLI/AAAAAAAAAI8/IZ9ZcbcgcGA/s1600/gomez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_aFHaP6iOU/UI6NfV4pNLI/AAAAAAAAAI8/IZ9ZcbcgcGA/s320/gomez.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Jordi Gomez</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bradford City arrive in decent form, having exceeded pre season expectations to date, but manager Phil Parkinson is set to be without a number of key players. City midfielder Ricky Ravenhill will serve the first of his three-game ban after being dismissed for violent conduct in the 1-0 defeat to Burton Albion at the weekend, while Andrew Davies and Luke Oliver are also almost certain to miss out as well after picking up injuries at the Pirelli Stadium.<br />
<br />
Gary Jones may not feature on Tuesday evening either after Parkinson acknowledged that the midfielder might not be ready for two games in four days, following his return to first team action, and Craig Forsyth will definitely miss out as the winger is cup-tied after already playing in the competition for Watford. <br />
<br />
Martinez will be keen to see his side progress and crucially ensure that they can gather some real momentum, and move away from the danger zone in the league. <br />
<br />
As with the earlier rounds, he will also want to see that the same hunger and desire from his fringe players, as he will be look to freshen up his first XI over the course of the winter period.Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-38120791474167088982012-10-27T22:54:00.000+01:002012-10-27T22:54:19.660+01:00Latics 2-1 West Ham - Ramis Stunner Sets Up Win <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Latics produced their best performance of the season on
Saturday afternoon, to secure their first home victory, against a lacklustre
West Ham. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was an outstanding display right from the go, as Roberto Martinez's men followed up their Capital One Cup victory
against the Londoners last month with a crucial three points. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2uznGMhtCBhWHxHuebhK2F8HWhr5pxM6eSB9HIP3RXa-J3N0A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2uznGMhtCBhWHxHuebhK2F8HWhr5pxM6eSB9HIP3RXa-J3N0A" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Ivan Ramis</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ivan Ramis opened the scoring with a stunning strike
straight from a Jean Beausejour corner, and the crucial second came from James
McArthur as he fired home at the start of the second half. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite being ten places adrift at the start of the day the
result was never in doubt and the score line certainly flattered Sam
Allardyce’s men. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having named an unchanged team from last week’s defeat to <st1:city>Swansea</st1:city>,
<st1:city>Martinez</st1:city>’s men put in a more
complete performance which stifled their visitors from the outset. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The confidence and belief was evident from the Latics
throughout, their rhythm and control enabled the team to dictate play and create plenty of chances, as West
Ham’s midfield struggled to get on the ball. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Possession was quickly won back time and time again, as the
industries pairing of James McArthur and James McCarthy, dominated the battle
against former Latic Momo Diame and villain of the afternoon Kevin Nolan. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ramis who had agreed terms to join West Ham in the summer,
netted his second goal of the season ironically against the Hammers direct from
a corner. He poised himself on the penalty spot and emphatically struck home, two days after turning 28. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Following the stunning opener the game fell into the
predicted pattern as the Latics played their usual brand of pass and move
football, and the visitors pumped everything upto Andy Carroll. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ramis and captain Gary Caldwell were helped out by Maynor
Figueroa at the back and kept the on loan <st1:place>Liverpool</st1:place>
player as he was left frustrated all afternoon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRett79YGoRq_lZZQ_YFTNTbJKhcGp0uanPvaRkvFxHt71evn7Few" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRett79YGoRq_lZZQ_YFTNTbJKhcGp0uanPvaRkvFxHt71evn7Few" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>James McArthur</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Latics were unlucky not to have gone into the break with
better cushion with McCarthy, Beausejour and Shaun Maloney all going close.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The inevitable second arrived only minutes into the second
half as Scottish international McArthur capped a fine display with a goal. He
smashed home low and left from six yards after some great work from the
terrific Maloney.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">West Ham rarely threatened but as the Latics were happy to
sit back and soak up the pressure late on they went close with James Tomkins’
effort coming off the woodwork, thanks to a deflection from Figueroa. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a case of second time lucky for Tomkins deep into
injury time as he volleyed into an empty net but it was far too late for the
Hammers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The late consolation was the only blight on a terrific
afternoon’s work from <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city>’s
men. The performance was more in line with form at the back end of last season
and will fans will have left the DW in good spirits. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The result moves the Latics onto eight points and
importantly now gives them a four point cushion above the drop zone ahead of
the visit to Tottenham next weekend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before the visit to <st1:city>London</st1:city>
is the Capital One Cup tie against League Two’s <st1:place><st1:placename>Bradford</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>City</st1:placetype></st1:place>, on Tuesday night. The fourth
round tie will provide <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city>
with the perfect opportunity to freshen up and give his fringe players game
time. </span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-90498088131946630272012-10-21T00:38:00.002+01:002012-10-21T00:38:17.953+01:00Swansea 2-1 Latics - Latics Fall Short on Welsh Trip<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Latics
suffered their fifth defeat of the season, as they were unable to pull off a
late comeback against <st1:place><st1:placename>Swansea</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>City</st1:placetype></st1:place></b><b> on Saturday afternoon. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spanish duo
Pablo Hernandez and Miguel Michu struck the decisive blows within a crushing two
minute spell. Despite a wonder goal from Emmerson Boyce, the
Latics returned to the <st1:state><st1:place>North West</st1:place></st1:state> empty handed. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/10/20/article-2220551-15988C28000005DC-704_634x504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/10/20/article-2220551-15988C28000005DC-704_634x504.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Emmerson Boyce </b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Latics
named an unchanged team from their clash with Everton two weeks ago and should
have taken the lead in a tense opening half, when Shaun Maloney’s effort was
kept out by Michel Vorm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The opening goal of the game came when Pablo Hernandez, <st1:city><st1:place>Swansea</st1:place></st1:city>'s club-record signing, broke
the deadlock in the 65th minute with a low shot past Ali Al-Habsi from 18
yards.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; min-height: 1px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Michu
added the crucial second for the Welsh club, with a close-range header from
Jonathan de Guzman's corner for his seventh goal of the season.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Latics refused to lie down and were back in
the game after Emmerson Boyce's exquisite 69th-minute back-flick, but were made
to rue a contentious decision to rule out a header from Arouna Kone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a decision that cost the Latics dear as
they were unable to find that decisive blow late on, with even keeper Al Habsi going close with a header in the dying moments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/10/20/article-2220551-1598A406000005DC-885_634x423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/10/20/article-2220551-1598A406000005DC-885_634x423.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Roberto Martinez</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Former Swansea boss Martinez, who was unsuccessful in his
appeal against a disciplinary charge from the FA this week, was unhappy with
yet another decision going against his side on the road:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“It was a call which didn't go our way. It was
really costly.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I felt it would
have been an interesting final 10 minutes because we could have won the game.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes you want to be honest with the
referee's decision, but I have learned my lesson. I cannot really comment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I need to accept it and give an official answer.
Sometimes the calls go your way, sometimes they don't. But I thought we
deserved a point.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Up next for the Latics is a crucial home clash
against West Ham, which will spark many a memory of a memorable afternoon the
last time the Hammers visited the DW. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the winter nights almost upon us, <st1:city><st1:place>Martinez</st1:place></st1:city> will use this week to pick
his side up following this latest set back. He will be keen to bring this winless
run to an end and give his side some breathing space above the teams currently occupying the bottom three as the league begins to take shape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 6pt;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-78487426049325233682012-10-06T22:46:00.002+01:002012-10-06T22:46:24.343+01:00Latics 2-2 Everton – Latics Denied by Late Penalty <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Latics were pegged back twice, as they had to make do
with a share of the points, in an entertaining encounter on Saturday afternoon. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fans will have left the DW stadium wondering
what might have been, despite having witnessed the teams strongest performance of the season, the search for the first home victory of the
campaign goes on. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/DomesticLeague/01/87/39/93/1873993_w2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/DomesticLeague/01/87/39/93/1873993_w2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Franco Di Santo</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Roberto Martinez decided to field Franco Di Santo in his
starting XI, replacing Jordi Gomez, and his side put in a dominant display in a cracking opening half.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The opening goal came as a result of fantastic work from
Shaun Maloney who was back to his imperious best and was at the heart of
everything going forward. After beating Seamus Coleman his cross was met by
Arouna Kone who managed to beat Tim Howard from an acute angle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No sooner had the play re started the visitors had levelled
up with their first move forward. Nikica Jelavic was on the end of Steven
Pienaar’s attempted shot showed why he is regarded as one the deadliest
finishers around. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite the set back the Latics refused to get down and
continued to dominate for large periods of the first half and re took the lead
thanks to some fantastic work from the tremendous Kone. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His raw pace did for Johnny Heitinga as he latched onto Gary
Caldwell’s pinpoint long ball and despite looking as if he was going no where,
was able to square the ball back for Di Santo to smash home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Argentine almost added a third, moments later, as his
smart attempt was kept out by Tim Howard. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ali Al Habsi was on hand to ensure that the Latics headed
into the break ahead, and they begun the second half on the front foot. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02309/shaun_2309409b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02309/shaun_2309409b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Shaun Maloney</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There was a lot of needle in the middle of park as both
midfields looked to impose themselves on the game. The referee Kevin Friend did
not allow for the game to flow and was unable to stamp his authority on the
game with a number of strange decisions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the game wore on the Latics invited the visitors onto
them and were reliant on hitting them on the counter. Unfortunately they were
made to pay for this with only five minutes to play, as Maynor Figueroa brought
down Kevin Mirallas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Former Latic Leighton Baines emphatically beat Al Habsi from
the spot to secure a share of the spoils for his team. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But the Latics’ could well have secured all three points
late on as Kone and Maloney linked up once again, with the Scottish
international’s strike taking a deflection just over the cross bar. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite the feeling of having dropped two points it was
certainly an encouraging performance from <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city>’s
men as they more than matched one of the form teams of the early season. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Up next is a trip to <st1:place>South Wales</st1:place>
after the international break and <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city>
will be keen to see his international’s return without any injuries, as he prepares his side for a crucial run. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-58901763060867053792012-10-05T17:22:00.000+01:002012-10-05T17:23:37.240+01:00Latics v Everton - Preview <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wigan look to secure their first home victory of the season on Saturday as they welcome in form Everton to the DW Stadium. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Latics will have Jordi Gomez available after his red card in last week’s defeat to Sunderland was rescinded on appeal, although the return of Antolin Alcarez from injury is unlikely with the away trip to Swansea more of a realistic target.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tUmGUzQ4XI/UG8JA1dDNDI/AAAAAAAAAIk/hl3vVXWpMLQ/s1600/gomez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tUmGUzQ4XI/UG8JA1dDNDI/AAAAAAAAAIk/hl3vVXWpMLQ/s320/gomez.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Jordi Gomez </strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Manager Roberto Martinez will be keen to secure what would only be his side’s second victory of the season and ease some of the early season pressure, which has seen confidence slide after an encouraging start. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As for the visitors they have started the season on fire and are currently in second place, which is their best ever start to a Premier League campaign. The start has left many wondering if the Blues can genuinely push for a Champions League place next season. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This will be a real test for Martinez who himself is keen to put a few weeks of bad press behind him, speaking on Friday he explained he is happy to move on: "It would be all too easy for me to be bitter and say that, from now on, I won't speak after the game. That would be wrong, because I would be going against the fans and my Wigan Athletic fans, who deserve to know the view that I have on the game. What's important - and I learnt this very, very early - is never question the integrity of a referee or a human being who is trying to do their best."<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Latics will look to end a run of seven games since they last beat David Moyes’ team, but Everton haven’t had it all their own way with three of the last four games ending in draws.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All good run must come to an end at some point and many will have this game down as a win for the visitors but Martinez will be confident that his side can bounce back from recent defeats and make it an uncomfortable afternoon for the Blues and secure victory in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></span>Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-39099573327868386782012-09-02T23:04:00.001+01:002012-09-02T23:04:14.266+01:00Wigan 2-2 Stoke City – Latics Secure Draw <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Latics
were twice pegged back as they had to make do with a share of the points, in
what was an entertaining game on Saturday afternoon. </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shaun
Maloney gave the Latics the lead after only four minutes, after great link up
play between the tenacious Maloney and Franco Di Santo resulted in Robert Huth
clearly handling. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/cms_images/match/shaun-maloney-v-stoke-city-1-sep-2012-4x373-346550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/cms_images/match/shaun-maloney-v-stoke-city-1-sep-2012-4x373-346550.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Shaun Maloney</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Scottish
international Maloney coolly converted the penalty giving visiting keeper Asmir
Begovic no chance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">U</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14.545454025268555px;">nlike their last home game Roberto Martinez’s men were quickly out of the blocks. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In what was
an impressive start from </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 11pt;">’s men with Chilean international
Jean Beausejour tormenting the Stoke backline, but he was forced off with an
injury on the half hour mark. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That seemed to kill off the Latics’ creativity and drive, as
the Potters brought on new signing Charlie Adam and they gained some control especially in midfield. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Missed chances earlier in the half proved costly
as Stoke levelled in the 40th minute, Walters scoring from the spot after
referee Martin Atkinson had adjudged Maynor Figueroa of handling the ball inside his
own area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Irish international Jonathan Walters fired
home past new dad Ali Al Habsi, and ensured that somewhat against the run of
the play the visitors went in level at the break.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Al Habsi did very well to tip Mark Wilson’s
fine strike onto the bar and out for a corner as Stoke pressed for a second. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Any momentum that Tony Pulis’ side had looked
to have gained was banished early in the second half. Arouna Kone did well to
find Di Santo who finished smartly with a first time strike. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite the setback the visitors fought back
and found their feet once again, and Peter Crouch levelled the game up as he
rose to head home from Walters’ cross. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Al Habsi was on hand late on to deny Adam a
winner on debut, when he produced an outstanding save when the free kick had
taken a wicked deflection. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;">Many will have left the DW frustrated as the
Latics twice had the lead and had much of the play and possession. Speaking
after the match manager </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;">Martinez</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;"> was keen to pick out
the positives from his side’s display:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“We started really brightly and got the goal
we deserved, but then you are looking at the manner in which the game opened up
and it could have gone either way.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The points sees the Latics remain in the top
of the league on four points, next up is a trip to Old Trafford, after the
international break and Martinez will be keen to see his players return to
Wigan with no injuries. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-2052458831694686092012-08-28T23:33:00.000+01:002012-08-28T23:33:25.832+01:00Nottingham Forest 1-4 Wigan – Latics Show Class to Progress <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Latics resisted a second half comeback from <st1:place><st1:placename>Nottingham</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place>, to ease into the third round of the Capital One Cup. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Roberto Martinez’s men headed into the clash keen to avoid
yet another upset, and despite deciding to field a number of fringe players,
his side outclassed their Championship counterparts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span id="goog_1752466138"></span><span id="goog_1752466139"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Argentinean international Mauro Boselli opened the scoring
when he got on the end of a pin point delivery from Ronnie Stam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The goal seemed to relax the Latics and they soon doubled
the lead with a stunning 30 yard strike from Maynor Figueroa which stunned the Forest faithful into applause. The
impressive Jordi Gomez got in on the act with a sublime right foot effort before the break, and ensured the
Latics headed into the break with a three goal cushion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Within seconds of the second half commencing <st1:place>Forest</st1:place>
struck back with a wonder goal of their own, from Simon Cox which left Ali Al Habsi with no chance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite the dismissal of captain on the night Antolin
Alcaraz, the Latics held firm and Callum McManaman wrapped up victory, after
great link up play with debutant Ryo Miyaichi. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having made several changes from Saturday’s victory against <st1:place>Southampton</st1:place>,
<st1:city>Martinez</st1:city> will have been delighted
with a performance that showed plenty of promise. With all of his first team
strikers now having registered within the first three games the now faces a
pleasant selection headache ahead of the Stoke clash. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At times Mauro Boselli’s movement was second to none, and
despite not having the little bit of luck required early on, he made himself available
to comfortably net his first goal of the season. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is no doubt that anywhere around the box the Argentine is deadly and with so much midfield creativity now on hand, he could well make his second
chance at the DW stadium count. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the first time in a long while the Latics can look forward to the third round draw, and
will now prepare for the visit of <st1:place><st1:placename>Stoke</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>City</st1:placetype></st1:place> on Saturday. Martinez and
co will be very confident of securing their first home victory of the new
season at the second time of asking. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-46388053924120558092012-08-27T21:54:00.000+01:002012-08-27T21:54:31.677+01:00Southampton 0-2 Wigan - Strike Pair Ensure First Win<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>New pairing Franco Di Santo and Arouna Kone both got on the
score sheet, as the Latics secured their first victory of the new season at St
Mary’s on Saturday afternoon. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In what the first ever league meeting of the two sides,
Roberto Martinez’s men put on a fantastic performance to spoil the party for
home side, on what was their first home game on their return to the top flight. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02319/Franco_Di_Santo_2319992b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02319/Franco_Di_Santo_2319992b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Franco Di Santo</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The home side were the brighter team during the opening
phases, but unlike last week the Latics were determined to weather the storm
and held firm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first chance of the game fell to the impressive Adam
Lallana, his effort was fantastically tipped onto the bar by Ali Al Habsi. The
Latics stopper was bright all afternoon, and will have been delighted with his
first clean sheet of the season. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Captain Gary Caldwell was on hand when he put in an
impressive last ditch challenge when Lallana was really to pull the trigger. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Latics upped the tempo at the start of the second half,
and they took the lead, after Di Santo fired home smartly, following great play
from the influential Shaun Maloney. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The opener seemed to drain the confidence from the home
side, with the Latics midfield ensuring that the Saints were unable to get into any
kind of rhythm. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article8081265.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Arouna-Kone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.standard.co.uk/incoming/article8081265.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Arouna-Kone.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Arouna Kone</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On his full debut Kone wrapped up all three points, the
Ivorian international dispossessed Jose Fonte and ran the length of the pitch
to finish off emphatically.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The victory will serve as the perfect tonic for <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city>
and his men who were made to pay last week for a poor start to the <st1:city>Chelsea</st1:city>
game. With many pundits doubting their ability to cope without the now departed
Victor Moses, the Spaniard was delighted with his side's effort:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“The whole team took massive responsibility after losing
Moses. I am very, very satisfied because we knew how difficult it would be.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next up for the Latics is a midweek trip to <st1:place><st1:placename>Nottingham</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place>, in the newly named Capital
One Cup. <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city> is expected to
ring the changes with many of the fringe players expected to be given a run
out. In a game that is being televised live by Sky, Latics fans will be keen to
avoid an upset and will be keen to go on a cup run.</span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-71416192415284895932012-08-20T12:39:00.000+01:002012-08-20T12:39:06.426+01:00Wigan 0-2 Chelsea - Latics Pay The Price For Bad Start <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Wigan were left to rue an awful start to the opening game of the season, as European Champions Chelsea put them to the sword in the opening minutes. </strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With only seven minutes played, Roberto Martinez’s men faced an uphill task following goals from Branislav Ivanovic and Frank Lampard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ivanovic was sent through as the impressive Eden Hazard led a Chelsea break at pace right through the heart of the Latics defence. The Serbian international, who was allowed to play despite his red card against Manchester City last weekend, finished confidently past Ali Al Habsi.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1U7yCg7OOk/UDIgsRh13ZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/xjNvipzUR_E/s1600/Picture+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1U7yCg7OOk/UDIgsRh13ZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/xjNvipzUR_E/s320/Picture+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Roberto Martinez</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hazard was then upended by debutant Ivan Ramis, and Lampard smashed his penalty under the body of Al Habsi. It was a horror start to Ramis’s career as he tormented early on. Although he crew in confidence as did his team, and produced an excellent clearance in the second half, when Fernando Torres was through on goal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Victor Moses twice went close for the Latics, forcing Peter Cech into a sharp save and subs Jordi Gomez and Arouna Kone went close late on, as they went in search for a way back into the clash. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Despite the poor start the Latics dominated much of the play but were lacking the killer touch. The absence of Jean Beasejouer was telling as the Latics were continually left wanting in the final third.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXLIRiullYk/UDIhDTSAZLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/kWqLZEUgJYk/s1600/Picture+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXLIRiullYk/UDIhDTSAZLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/kWqLZEUgJYk/s320/Picture+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Arouna Kone & Franco Di Santo</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They were unlucky not to get at least one goal that their play deserved. Kone looked impressive when he came on, and once he settled was a real threat, and is sure to be involved from the start against Southampton. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Manager Roberto Martinez speaking after the games was delighted with the work rate and desire his side displayed, despite the poor start: “In those first six minutes we looked exposed, created our own problems and were punished as a result. We started with a low intensity just like a pre season game, against a side like Chelsea we could not afford to do that.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Spaniard went on to explain: “<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We were unfortunate not to get a goal we deserved; you know how well Chelsea defend but we created good chances that didn’t quite find a way through.</span><span lang="EN"> </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So delighted with the reaction, disappointed we couldn’t start the game with the same high intensity as the response but it’s left us with many positives.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">“We were the best side for 75 minutes which is a real statement against a team like Chelsea.”</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Despite the horror start fans will have left the DW on Sunday afternoon, quietly confident that their side do indeed have enough to stay clear of the drop zone, and will be backing the team at Southampton next weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-31265698542426612202012-08-18T22:52:00.000+01:002012-08-18T22:53:39.587+01:00Latics Ready To Continue Their Stay <br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>As the Latics prepare for their eighth
consecutive season amongst the elite, following a summer of uncertainty, fans
will be delighted with the business done
in the market and crucially holding onto manager Roberto Martinez. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The
immediate post season was an anxious affair,
at one point it looked almost certain that <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city> would be on his way out. Two of the
biggest names in England came calling, first of all Aston Villa, as they did
twelve months earlier, asked the question, but were quickly rebuffed by Dave
Whelan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article7851361.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/Roberto-Martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article7851361.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/Roberto-Martinez.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Roberto Martinez</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That was just the start five times European Champions Liverpool were
next to show an interest. It seemed almost certain that he would be making the
short move to Merseyside but in came Whelan. For a week or so we were all
treated to the ‘Dave Whelan’ show, with minute by minute updates of his
manager’s movements, and for good measure he threw in the odd one liner.
For me Whelan, is free to say what he likes about his club, he took us to the
promise land and we are preparing for an eighth season upsetting the
establishment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><st1:place>Liverpool</st1:place> eventually decided to go with their
‘first’ choice Brendan Rodgers, who let’s not forget really did just pick up
where <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city> left from his time at <st1:city>Swansea</st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let’s not
forget at one stage it looked as if a deal bringing Martinez’s right hand man,
Graeme Jones, to South Wales to join Swansea was going to happen, thankfully
all non playing staff remain at the DW.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This season the Latics must build on
the back of the last campaign. Unfortunately they aren’t able to throw money
around, but have invested wisely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/News/2011-12/news/ivan-ramis-ff-3.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.490.338.margin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/News/2011-12/news/ivan-ramis-ff-3.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.490.338.margin.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Ivan Ramis</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The arrival of Fraser Fyvie will bolster
the midfield and the young Scot will be confident of emulating James McArthur
and James McCarthy, in becoming a fixture in the starting XI.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Several players have left on free
transfers, including Chris Kirkland. Former regulars Mohamed Diame and Hugo
Rodellega left to pursue careers in the capital, after not playing a part in
the great escape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ivan Ramis will provide some much
needed competition to the backline, and his signing will have delighted fans,
after it was revealed the former Real Mallorca man had rejected West Ham to
join the Latics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the ongoing saga over the future
of Victor Moses likely to run until the end of the transfer window, <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city> acted in securing the loan deal for
Ryo Miyaichi from Arsenal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Japanese international is one of
the hottest prospects to have ever come out of <st1:place>Asia</st1:place>, and will be given the chance to play regular
games this season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/cms_images/player/arouna-kone-4x373-311993_478x359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/cms_images/player/arouna-kone-4x373-311993_478x359.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Arouna Kone </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The most recent arrival caught many off
guard, Ivorian international striker Arouna Kone joined in midweek on a three
year deal. Having played in </span><st1:city style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Holland</st1:city><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and </span><st1:country -region="-region" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Spain</st1:country><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> the former Levante man will be expected to lead the line, he netted on 15
occasions last season and a similar return for the Latics will guide them away
from trouble.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If the Latics can get off to a bright
start this season could well see <st1:city>Martinez</st1:city> build on the momentum his side gained
at the back end of last season. A tough run over the festive period awaits, consistent
form across the whole of the season will be required in order to avoid the
usual late dash for survival. Latics fans would love to see a mid table finish
and perhaps a cup run. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-54668218946994613132012-08-15T12:16:00.000+01:002012-08-15T12:16:05.071+01:00Latics Land African Star <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The Latics have completed the signing of Ivory Coast international Arouna Kone, on a 3 year deal from La Liga side Levante. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He becomes Roberto Martinez’s fourth signing of the window, and is a major signal of intent from the Spaniard as he prepares his side for the new season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The 28 year old Ivorian international, bagged 15 goals last season including the winner against Real Madrid, and a result helped secure European football. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InT9gLrTY7A/UCuDboibknI/AAAAAAAAAH0/h-y5djH-0qY/s1600/kone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-InT9gLrTY7A/UCuDboibknI/AAAAAAAAAH0/h-y5djH-0qY/s320/kone.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Arouna Kone</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Having started his career in Spain with Sevilla, he joined Levante on a full time basis only this summer, follolwing last season's succesfull loan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He’s made 35 appearances for the Ivory Coast, netting on 9 occasions, and has lead the line with former Chelsea man Didier Drogba. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">He comes with major competition experience, having appeared at the World Cup, African Cup of Nations and Champions League. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Manager Martinez was delighted with the capture: “He’s a player we have chased for a long time, we know him really well, he comes with European football experience and he’s strong with a clinical touch and brings something different to the team.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Martinez will be delighted to land an out and out goalscorer, with only Henri Camara ever managing getting into double figures since the club’s promotion into the top flight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Kone’s arrival will relieve some of the pressure from last season’s leading front man Franco Di Santo, and he will be seen as the perfect replacement for Hugo Rodallega who moved to Fulham following his release. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Connor Sammon is widely expected to leave the club before the end of the month with Derby County linked with the Irishman. As for the returning Mauro Boselli he is expected to be given a chance to show his worth but for now will have to do so from the bench. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The future of Callum McManaman is yet to be resolved, he could well provide cover or potentially be sent out on loan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Kone will link up with his new team mates in time for the visit of European Champions Chelsea, on Sunday afternoon, and will be expected to lead the line. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380986894778324478.post-61229616193637728042012-08-14T14:13:00.000+01:002012-08-14T14:13:07.480+01:00Latics Land Japanese Star <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>The Latics have completed the season long loan signing of Japanese international Ryo Miyaichi, from Arsenal on Monday evening. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The signing is a real coup for the Latics as they have beaten off a whole host of rivals to the signature who looks set to play an integral part in manager Roberto Martinez’s side, this season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He becomes the first ever Japanese player the club has ever had, and becomes the third addition to Martinez’s squad. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQjOy0yvDWA/UCpOOAuyZGI/AAAAAAAAAHk/622kVj_Md_w/s1600/gun__1290184076_miyaichi_ryo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQjOy0yvDWA/UCpOOAuyZGI/AAAAAAAAAHk/622kVj_Md_w/s320/gun__1290184076_miyaichi_ryo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Ryo Miyaichi </strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This will be Miyachi’s third loan spell away from parent club Arsenal since he joined them back in January 2011. He followed a spell with Feyenoord in Holland with a 6 month stint with Latics rivals Bolton at the back end of last season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He went on to make 12 appearances for Bolton and netted in the FA Cup win at Millwall, but was unable to help in the fight against relegation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To date his chances in the Arsenal first team have been limited to only League Cup ties, but he comes to the DW with a growing reputation as one of the hottest prospects to have come of Asian football. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He recently made his full international debut in May, when he appeared as a substitute against Azerbaijan, having made a number of squads prior. He has represented Japan across various age levels and exposure to first team football in the Premier League, will ensure that he becomes a feature of his national side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Many believe long serving Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, was keen to see Miyaichi move to a club that plays a flowing passing style of football. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With the impending transfer of Victor Moses to Chelsea, Miyaichi is seen as the perfect short team solution as the market currently doesn’t represent true value for money. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Having come through a full pre season with Arsenal, he is certain to be involved in the curtain raiser to the Latics eighth season amongst the elite. </span></div>
Niall Joseph Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15801614857834197926noreply@blogger.com0