Wigan 4-0 Newcastle - Wonderful Performance Sees Latics Move Clear

The Latics produced a breathtaking performance on Saturday afternoon, to move three points clear of the drop zone.

Four first half goals were enough to see off the inform Geordies who were simply outplayed and outclassed, on what was by far the best display of the season from Roberto Martinez. Many will consider this perhaps the greatest performance in the club’s Premier League history.

Victor Moses makes way for Jordi Gomez

Martinez made one change from the side that fell short at Craven Cottage last weekend and brought back Shaun Maloney instead of Jordi Gomez.

Within fifteen minutes the Latics were ahead, a fantastic cross from Emerson Boyce was met by reported want away man Victor Moses, who from a standing start beat Mike Williamson.

Two minutes later the lead was doubled, PFA Team of the Year member Fabricio Coloccini had a afternoon to forget, as he made a hash of clearing Jean Beausejeour’s cross and Moses coolly dispatched emphatically.

The visitors were not given a moment’s peace as the Latics continued to press with the midfield duo of James McCarthy and James McArthur winning the midfield battle against the highly rated Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabeye.

Roberto Martinez 

The third goal came as result of the some wonderful precise and clever movement and play involving McCarthy, Beausejour, Maloney and Franco Di Santo. Who played a delightful angled first time ball into the Scottish international, Maloney who finished off from an acute angle past Tim Krul.

The former Chelsea man Di Santo got himself on the scoresheet with a contender for goal of the season. He battled in the heart of the midfield to win the ball and took his time to delightfully chip the despairing Krul to cap off a simply wonderful first half, which will live long in the memory.

The second half was about ensuring that the Latics preserved their lead as goal difference could well prove to be a crucial factor in the next couple of weeks. Di Santo and Maynor Figueroa linked up well and nearly made it five, and some smart stops from Krul ensured that the score was kept down.

The much talked about Newcaslte frontline finally sparked into action in the second half but were unable to find that killer touch. Papiss Cisse striking the woodwork twice and Ali Al Habsi denied him when he was through on goal.

Franco Di Santo

Hatem Ben Afra was a threat in the second half but ultimately was left frustrated as he went close on a couple of occassions but was kept quiet for the majority of the afternoon. 

Substitute Conor Sammon was unlucky not to get amongst the goals as he raced through on goal in the final stages, but was denied by Collocini’s last ditch challenge.

Speaking after the game Martinez expressed his delight: “We played really well, and today we had that belief, that arrogance in the last third and the finishing was outstanding.

This month has been the biggest month, the biggest football statement by our football club in our history, playing against Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle, this is for everyone to pleased with the performances we have put in.”

The Spaniard will do everything in these final weeks to ensure that all of their hard work doesn’t go to waste and is prepared for the last push: “There is huge work still to be done our aim is to stay in the league, the reality is that we haven’t got enough points, we have two more big games, two cup finals to come, but today is a day to enjoy the result and then get ready for Blackburn next week.”

In what was a delightful display, by far the best of the season at the DW, which is just reward for the long suffering fans who have stuck with their team through thick and thin, including a run of 8 straight defeats. At times they were unplayable and on their day as proven of the last few weeks they can beat anyone in the league.

Martinez will be delighted with the way his side have responded to last week’s set back and firmly have their destiny in their own hands.

They will be keen to build on the feel good factor following this result, which now sees them move to 37 points and will act as a real catalyst heading into the Blackburn game and then finishing at home to Wolves on the final day of the season.

Wigan v Newcastle - Preview

The Latics head into their penultimate home game of the season against Newcastle United, on Saturday in search of their third consecutive home victory, which would see them move clear of the drop zone.

Roberto Martinez will be keen to ensure that his side recover from last weekends last gasp defeat at Fulham, and he will be encouraged that his side have their destiny in their own hands.

Hugo Rodallega

That was unthinkable only 6 weeks ago, but an impressive run that has seen the Latics overcome Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal to give them a real chance of survival.

With winnable games against Blackburn and Wolves in their final two clashes, anything that they get from Saturday’s encounter with the inform Geordies would be a bonus.

Martinez will be able to call upon last season’s great escape hero Hugo Rodallega, who looks set to feature from the bench after 7 weeks out. Franco Di Santo is struggling following the knock he picked up at Fulham, which could see Conor Sammon start.  

Maynor Figueroa

The solid backline that has only conceded 12 goals in the last dozen games will be in for a tricky afternoon against the inform Newcastle front men. Papiss Cisse has scored in 6 consecutive games and will be keen to ensure his side remain on track to play Champions League football next season.

Once again this is the biggest game if the season for all concerned with the club, and they will be keen to ensure that they can but some light between themselves and the bottom three and bring an end to Newcastle’s impressive run. 

Latics Must Get Rid Of Boselli

I spoke with South American football expert, the Legendinho, Tim Vickery on Friday evening about Wigan’s Mauro Boselli, who has flopped in sensational fashion since his arrival, back in the summer of 2010.

He arrived at the DW Stadium with an impressive record, having scored 32 goals in 57 appearances for Estudiantes, his capture looked to have ended the Latics search, for a genuine out and out finisher.

Mauro Boselli

Tipped by many to shine in Europe, unfortunately he looks set to join the exhaustive list of expensive foreign imports, who have flattered to deceive in Europe.

Tim recalled a time when he was contacted on a regular basis by European clubs seeking his advice on the Argentine, including an unnamed Premier League coach: “I was contacted by a certain premier league coach for advice.His agent was busy going around with DVD’s cut to make him look like the great Gabriel Batistuta. I just told him to keep hold of his money.”

In order to ensure progression, Latics manager Roberto Martinez was keen to add a finisher to his squad and took the gamble. “He is a front to goal finisher, a penalty box poacher,” Tim added.

With 49 goals in 92 appearances for Estudiantes it was clear that during his development in Argentina, he knew his way to goal. During his purple patch, Boselli had the best midfield on the continent at the time behind him, including Juan Sebastian Veron and feasted on the service he received. 

Tim explained why his signing was doomed from the start: “It was clear when he arrived that he was out of his comfort zone, away from that midfield, and in a league where the defenders are quicker, stronger and better, and he struggled.”

If you take away his goals, Boselli offers little else to any teamteam, he has no genuine pace, at under six foot he cannot be used as a target man either and his work rate leaves a lot to be desired. 

His only strike for the Latics came in a League Cup tie against Swansea City. Following a string of woeful performances where his confidence plummeted, and he was quickly shipped out to Italian side Genoa, where he similarly struggled with only one goal in six appearances.

This season has seen him return to Estudiantes and his found his scoring touch once again, with 11 goals to date, including a strike on the weekend, but the fountain of knowledge on South American football does not think he will ever flourish in England:

“He is very much the definition of ‘money down a rat hole,’ but if he does return to England he might do better, he could hardly do worse though.

He does have the ability to sniff out the chances in the penalty area, but as a Premier League centre forward he hasn’t got a hope.”

Franco Di Santo

It is clear that why he has failed at Wigan is down to ability and lack of it. The current Latics squad includes four South American's, including fellow countryman Franco Di Santo so it cannot be a case of loneliness. 

It is clear that it has just not worked out for Boselli and Wigan, be rest assured that the Latics will look to cut their loses with him come the summer, rather than give a second chance. This would allow everyone to move on quickly and forget the man labbled by the fans as the worst signing in the club’s history. 

Fulham 2-1 Wigan – Latics Run Ended By Last Gasp Winner

The Latics were dragged right back into the relegation fight on Saturday afternoon, after Fulham fight back, following Emmerson Boyce’s stunning opener at Craven Cottage.

Phillip Senderos’ towering header finally broke the visitor’s resistance after they had seemed to whether the storm, after seeing the Cottagers hit the woodwork twice through the impressive Pavel Pogrebnyak.

The Latics’ recent impressive run looked to set to continue when they took the lead through the unlikely Boyce. The right back linked up terrifically with substitute Conor Sammon, and finished with aplomb to send the travelling Latics into delirium.

Conor Sammon 

Following back to back victories against the Champions Manchester United, and on the road to Arsenal, they looked set to put further light between themselves and the bottom three.

But the game changed within 60 seconds of the opener, Russian international Pogrebnyak levelled things up with a great strike from outside the box following a neat one two, with Clint Dempsey.

From them on it was all Fulham and Roberto Martinez looked to have settled for a point, and brought on Ben Watson to tighten up the ship. But for the second time in a number of weeks they left West London with nothing following last gasp heartache.

Results elsewhere were not kind, with both Blackburn and QPR picking up crucial wins. Rangers have now leapfrogged Wigan on goal difference and Blackburn have reduced the gap between themselves and the Latics to only 3 points.

Ali Al Habsi

Bolton will rue a missed opportunity at home to Swansea after only picking up a point at hime, but do have two games in hand on all of their rivals once of which is against Aston Villa in midweek. Victory for Bolton would certainly see Villa being dragged into the fight as we head into the final three weeks of the season.

Encouragingly for all concerned with Wigan is that they are indeed 3 points clear with two games to play at home and they away game coming at Blackburn.

Before Saturday’s encounter Martinez was keen to stress they had a lot of hard work still left before securing survival and he remained upbeat following the defeat, as he spoke to the waiting press: “Today was perhaps a game too far; the demands over the last few weeks have been huge, but we have to recover and be ready for next week.”

Up next are inform Newcastle United who are right in the mix for a Champions League place, and it sure to be a cracking game at the DW Stadium, and Martinez will be keen to see his side take advantage of having two games at home in the run in. 

The key thing for Wigan is that they unlike season’s before, they have their destiny in their hands, and they are not reliant on other results going their way. If they concentrate on their own games they will stay up, and Martinez will ensure his side quickly regain their focus.  

Fulham v Wigan - Preview

The Latics head to the capital for the second time this week in search of their third consecutive victory, in their latest great escape act.

Following their memorable victory at the Emirates on Monday evening, Roberto Martinez’s men find themselves five points clear of the drop, with just four games left to play.

Hugo Rodallega

If the excellent run of form is to continue, they will need to end a terrible run of results against Fulham. Wigan have failed to win in any of the last ten encounters against the Londoners, and have only beaten then twice in their top flight history.

Martinez will be confident his side can once again overcome the odds, and he welcomes back striker Hugo Rodallega to his match squad, for the first time in six weeks. Shaun Maloney who missed the Monday night’s clash at the Emirates, faces a late fitness test, and Spaniard Albert Crusat is definitely sidelined.

As for the hosts, their forward line options have been bolstered with the return of former England international Andy Johnson and Russian hotshot Pavel Pogrebnyak.

Heading into their penultimate away trip of the season the Latics can be confident of avoiding the drop, and continuing their impressive run.

Having kept faith in his side and his playing style, Martinez must be delighted with his side.  Despite the run fans can be rest assured that his side remain focussed for the remainder of the run in.

The mentality he has instilled in his side has been at the forefront of their incredible recent run of results. The emergence of the likes of Victor Moses and Shaun Maloney has added a much needed spark to the forward line.

Emmerson Boyce

His decision to play with three at the back has proved to a masterstroke, with Gary Caldwell leading from the back.

Unlike seasons before the Latics are in the position now of having their destiny in their own hands, two wins from their final four games will see them hit the magic forty point mark. Everyone at the club will been keen to ensure that survival can be secured as soon as possible, starting with three points on Saturday.

Arsenal 1-2 Wigan - Latics At It Again

First half strikes from Franco Di Santo and Jordi Gomez, ensured that Wigan recorded yet another memorable victory, and in the process moved five points clear of the drop.

Roberto Martinez’s men have now taken a huge step towards yet another great escape and ended a miserable run of defeats in the capital.

Jordi Gomez

Di Santo's determination and fantastic vision from Gomez were at the heart of the opener, with the former Chelsea front man finishing coolly after beating Wojciech Szczesny. 

Within two minutes the visitors lead was doubled, with man of the match Victor Moses leaving Andre Santos in his wake, before Gomez bundled home for his fifth strike of the season.

The home side were clearly alarmed and responded by dominating the remainder of the first half, and were back in the game, through Thomas Vermaelen’s powerful header.

As Arsenal continued to press the Latics had to rely on keeper Ali Al Habsi, who did well to deny Yossi Benayoun and Robin Van Persie.

Half time was welcomed by Martinez and his men, and provided them with the opportunity to re-group. They continued to stick to their game plan and unlike the first half reverted from sitting back on their lead.

The midfield duo of James McArthur and James McCarthy were fantastic and provided a solid base for both defence and attack during the second half.

Victor Moses

Moses was a real handful for the Arsenal backline and perhaps should have restored the two goal deficit, when he did well following a long throw but shot too early.

Captain Gary Caldwell led his team and alongside Antolin Alcaraz was immense. There was a real determination that they would not leave London empty handed following their contentious defeat to Chelsea last week.

In a somewhat surprise choice, last week’s hero Shaun Maloney made way for Gomez in the starting XI and it proved to be a masterstroke from Martinez.

Substitutes Connor Sammon and Mohamed Diame, were excellent and ran the hard yards and bought precious time as they weathered the Arsenal storm.

The Wigan backline held firm, and the only real moment of concern was when Maynor Figueroa appeared to barge England international Theo Walcott off the ball.

Following their home defeat to Swansea many believed that Wigan’s stay In the top flight was due to come to an end. To his credit owner Dave Whelan held firm and did not panic. He believed then and even more so now, that Martinez is the man to steer his club clear of the drop.

With results elsewhere going for the Latics, they now find themselves five points clear of the drop. With four games left to play they have taken a huge leap to securing yet another season in the greatest league in the world.

Latics Look To End London Hoodoo

Roberto Martinez takes his side to Arsenal on Monday evening, in the first of two trips to the capital this week, as they go in search of their first points from the principal since August 2010.

In doing so, they have to overcome an inform Arsenal who after a torrid start to the season, are finishing strong and are well on course for a Champions League spot.

Victor Moses

Wigan have never won on the road to Arsene Wenger’s men, since their arrival into the top flight. Their famous comeback victory in April 2010 is their only victory in thirteen previous attempts, but lately the Latics have made a habit of ending records.

Confidence is high amongst the squad at present, but Martinez is keen to see his side retain their focus ahead of the run in. Speaking to the press following their historical victory against Manchester United, on Wednesday evening, he called for calm: “It would be foolish to think we are out of the bottom three and we will stay there.”

The Spaniard will be keen to ensure that his side continue with their impressive run of form which has seen them win, three out of their last four games, and have only lost twice in their last ten.

Despite being the lowest scores in the top flight, the recent form of the supporting front men, Victor Moses and Shaun Maloney, has played a huge part in their splendid run of results.

The Latics have indeed won more on the road this season, with four victory’s coming away from the DW, but if they can get anything from tomorrow’s encounter they will surely see it as a bonus.

The final four games will be seen by many as the crucial stretch of games, a run in that sees them travel to fellow strugglers Blackburn Rovers and ends with a home clash against basement side Wolves.

Martinez believes that the battle to avoid the drop will, once again, come down to the final game of the season: “I think it will go down to the last game of the season because the fixture list has been a bit peculiar.”

Fans will hope that this is not the case, and will be confident that experience of survival from seasons past, will serve their side well, in the final month of the club’s seventh season in the top flight.

Ahead of the clash, Martinez is likely to stick with the same XI for the sixth consecutive match with front man Hugo Rodallega likely to be involved from the bench, following his return to training.

Franco Di Santo

Results elsewhere over the weekend have been encouraging with QPR losing at West Brom, and Blackburn suffering a crushing defeat to Swansea.

As was the case on Wednesday this game will be seen by Wigan as a bonus, if they continue with their impressive run of results, and with a bit more luck from the officials, they may well return to the North West with something. 

Wigan 1-0 Manchester United

At the fifteenth attempt the Latics have finally triumphed over Manchester United, as Shaun Maloney’s historic second half strike lifts his side out of the drop zone.

The Scottish international buried the winner from 20 yards out to give the Latics a deserved victory against an out of sorts United.

Shaun Maloney

Victor Moses’ first half header was wrongly ruled out in the first half after Captain Gary Caldwell was adjudged to have impeded visiting keeper David De Gea.

In yet another game littered with poor decisions from the officials, the eventual winner was seen to have come from a corner that should not have been. But as the old saying goes, decisions do have a tendency to even themselves out over the course of a season.

The result sees Wigan finally overcome the 19 time league Champions, and ensured that they keep up with their impressive run of form. Following their contentious last gasp defeat at Chelsea on Saturday, it would have perhaps been easy for their heads to drop.

Instead Roberto Martinez’s men made up for Saturday’s heartache by sealing what could prove to be a huge victory for his side. He had called for a “perfect” performance and they delivered ten fold.

As usual they dictated much of the play in the first half, but once again failed to trouble the opposition keeper. This was until Moses’ goal was ruled out, sparking outrage from the home bench.

Despite the setback they kept their cool and finally took the lead early into the second half.  It was nothing more than their play merited, Maloney worked a short corner with the impressive Jean Beausejour to curl an outstanding strike past De Gea.

Jean Beausejour

For much of the game Wigan were comfortable with 52% of the possession, and United were restricted to just three attempts on target. Even the expected late onslaught from the Champions didn’t materialise.

In the other results QPR picked up three points with a 3-0 victory against Swansea which sees them remaining level on 31 points with the Latics. Crucially Martinez’s men are now out of the drop zone, for the first time since November.

Despite this being an unexpected victory it will serve as a huge boost in the push for survival and next up is an equally tough task on Monday night at Arsenal.

On tonight’s evidence the belief is flowing throughout the team and the performances of late have shown that the Latics are up for the fight and are ready to pull of the great escape once again.

Latics Prepare For Visit of Champions

Wigan take on Manchester United on Wednesday night looking to pick up their first points against the champions in their top flight history.

Going into Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge, the Latics had just lost once in eight matches, and despite the controversial defeat, they will be confident of picking up something on Wednesday evening.

Gary Caldwell 

Defeats for Bolton and Blackburn over the last couple of days mean that they are still within touching distance of survival and they will look to take advatage at the DW. 

They head into the clash at the DW Stadium looking to finally end their run of 14 consecutive defeats against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

Speaking ahead of the clash Roberto Martinez believes his side are in the right frame of mind ahead of the game. “Against Manchester United you have to be perfect and we know now we can be perfect against these sides.”

“We are now facing the champions and the team most in form in the league. It is a great football occasion for us, and that is why we want to be in this league.”

Last season’s hero Hugo Rodallega is again likely to miss out tomorrow and, Martinez is likely to stick with the same XI that has done well over recent weeks.

Emerson Boyce 

Bringing a halt to the horrendous run against Manchester United would be huge for the Latics survival chances and anything they can get from the Champions Elect will be massive. The run in includes clashes against Blackburn and Wolves as well as trips to Arsenal and Fulham.

Despite not scoring against United in nearly 3 years, fans and players alike, can be very confident of pulling off a victory and re-ignite the push for survival and once thing for certain is that the DW will be rocking come kick off. 

Awful Decisions End Run

Wigan’s recent unbeaten run came to a cruel end at Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, as they were denied right at the death in controversial circumstances.

The Blues stole all three points deep into added on time when Juan Mata bundled the ball home from an offside position, following up on Fernando Torres’ strike.

Gary Caldwell 

Justice seemed to have been done when sub Mohammed Diame’s great solo strike levelled things up after Chelsea’s contentious opener.

Branislav Ivanovic put the home side ahead, just after the hour mark, much to the disbelief of the away team. Three Chelsea players were offside when Raul Meireles flouted a pass into the box for the Serbian international Ivanovic to score.

Despite the protests lead by Captain Gary Caldwell referee Mike Jones upheld his original decision.

Roberto Martinez who is the nicest man in the game did not hold back at full time, when he spoke to the press: “The linesman had a disgusting performance in my eyes. They aren’t even difficult decisions. Both goals are clearly offside. Everyone says football can be cruel but from our point of view, that’s as bad as it can get.”

Martinez kept faith in the same XI that had picked up back to back wins over recent weeks, and his side dictated much of the game.

Despite having much of the possession chances, once again, were at a premium and the Latics had to rely on keeper Ali Al Habsi who was called upon on a number of occasions. The Oman international put in an outstanding display to keep the Chelsea front line at bay.

Victor Moses continued with his impressive recent form, and was a constant threat all afternoon. He worked effectively alongside former Chelsea man Franco Di Santo and they both ensured the home sides backline were kept on their toes throughout.

Towards the end of the game Caldwell had a great chance to be the hero once again on the road, but wasted his chance after a barnstorming run.

Within seconds Mata’s late strike ensured that the Latics would leave London empty handed once again, and leave Latics fans wondering how they did not pick up anything from the game.

Ali Al Habsi & Gary Caldwell

With two more visits to the capital to come in the run, they have to improve on their recent record. Since their 1-0 victory against Tottenham in August 2010, they have lost every encounter down South since.

Results elsewhere on Saturday were very kind. Bolton and Blackburn both lost 3-0 and Wolves remain cut adrift at the bottom following their narrow defeat at Stoke.

They will take a lot of pride from the game and despite the defeat, Martinez and his backroom staff, will be keen to ensure that they continue with their recent performances against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Essien (Mikel 73), Mata, Drogba, Malouda (Torres 59), Meireles, Sturridge (Kalou 82), Cahill, Bertrand
Unused Subs: Turnbull, Romeu, Bosingwa, Ferreira

Wigan: Al Habsi, Alcaraz, McCarthy, Figueroa, Caldwell, Di Santo (Sammon 79), Maloney, Moses, McArthur (Watson 70), Boyce, Beausejour (Diame 70)
Subs: Kirkland, Crusat, Gomez, Stam

Attendance: 40,651 

McCarthy Ready For Final Push

On the back of two impressive victories Irish international, James McCarthy has called upon his team to keep up their unbeaten run in the quest for survival.

After weeks of encouraging performances the Latics have finally found the killer touch over recent weeks. But despite a run that has seen them only beaten once in their last eight games McCarthy, and co still find themselves in the drop zone.

James McCarthy & James McArthur 

The 21 year old who signed a long term contract with the Latics back in August, spoke to the press after the 2-0 victory against Stoke: “We have done really, really well and just not come up with the finishing touch. Thankfully Antolin has come up with the first and Victor the second and hopefully now we can kick on from here.”

A dominant display in the heart of the midfield alongside James McArthur set the tone for only their second home victory of the season. They didn’t give the Potters midfield a moment’s peace and were at the heart of everything that was good about the Latics play.

McCarthy reflected on the season to date and what needs to be done in order to beat the drop once again. “It’s been about time, to be honest we have been through sticky patches, myself included. I have not scored this season which is disappointing. But the main thing is Wigan and if I can do a job and we win, I will do that all day.”

James McCarthy & Antolin Alcaraz

Roberto Martinez’s men face a huge test in their next 3 encounters starting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, followed by Manchester United’s visit to the DW and then a Monday night trip to Arsenal.

Confidence is high amongst the squad and the belief is there, especially after their historic win at Anfield. Anything that they can pick up from these games could prove to be a real bounty for the Latics before they head into the crunch final four games which include games against Blackburn and Wolves.