Martinez Unleashes Secret Weapon

As the Latics were facing yet another defeat at Carrow Road, manager Roberto Martinez called upon Scottish international, Shaun Maloney to change the game a decision that could ensure survival.

The Malaysian born summer signing from Celtic, has faltered badly in what is now his second spell in the Premier League. He made his first team debut in the Carling Cup defeat to Crystal Palace in August and was restricted to only three appearances from the bench, before his cameo against Norwich.

Shaun Maloney 

In a performance that Martinez described as “outstanding” the Spaniard rewarded the former Aston Villa man with a place in the starting XI in the last two outings. 

His most significant contribution for the Latics came on Saturday when, after a long delay he coolly dispatched his spot kick at Anfield to set up a memorable victory which reignites the relegation battle.

Having burst onto the scene with Celtic, Maloney since has flattered to deceive. He followed Martin O’Neill to Villa Park and struggled to impose himself and swiftly returned to the SPL the following season.

He settled back down in Scotland and for a fee just short of a million, Martinez saw fit to give Maloney his second chance in the England.

For the vast majority of this season he has been the forgotten man at the DW Stadium, dogged by fitness issues his introduction at Norwich was the tonic the Latics needed.

Just like a new signing he has had a positive influence on the pitch; he is lively and crucially carries a goal threat. Alongside Jean Beausejour and Victor Moses he will create chances for the front men and his time in Scotland shows he can bag as well.

Roberto Martinez

At the age of 29 this is certainly his last chance to impress across the border and having been left on the sidelines for much of the campaign. He is now set for a run in the team until the end of the season and will look to repay the faith shown in him from Martinez.

The push for survival continues on Saturday at home to Stoke and you can expect to see Maloney in action once again and without a doubt he is going to play a huge part in the scrap and could well land himself a place in Wigan folklore. 

Midweek Round-Up

On a mixed week for all involved saw Swansea being denied a famous victory, Norwich's unbeaten run come to an end and QPR throw away a two goal lead. 

After new boy Djibril Cisse struck early on to become an instant hit with his new fans,

Aston Villa recovered from a two goal deficit to deny the R’s a crucial three points in their battle to avoid the drop. 

Djibril Cisse

Mark Hughes gave Rob Hulse a surprise start after impressing in training and alongside Cisse impressed early on and the former Liverpool man opened the scoring  following Shaun Wright Phillips’ blocked shot.

Fellow debutant Taye Taiwo’s cross was bizarrely turned in by Stephen Warnock to give the away side a two nothing lead.

Goals from Darrent Bent and Charles N’Zogbia late on ensured the home side took the share of the spoils. Hughes will be left disappointed that his side were not able to pick up a crucial three points, but with Blackburn’s defeat at home to Newcastle they now find themselves two points clear and will be confident of putting a run together to ensure survival.

With Bobby Zamora set to add even more muscle and class upfront in time for the vital clash at home to fellow strugglers Wolves, the futures of DJ Campbell and jay Bothroyd look uncertain as they are set to watch on from the sidelines as Hughes decides to go with others.

They have been desperate for goals this season and now with nine strikers at his disposal Hughes will be confident that they will score enough goals to secure survival and trim his squad down and add further class in the summer.

Elsewhere it was a tough night for Norwich as their unbeaten start to 2012 was blown apart by a rampant Sunderland. A fine goal from the returning Fraizer Campbell and then a great header from Stephane Sessegnon saw the Canaries go two behind at the break.

An own goal from David Ayala compounded a bad night for the away team and they will be keen to pick themselves up in time for the visit of inform Bolton. The result sees Sunderland leapfrog the Canaries into the top half but still eleven clear of the drop zone.

Scott Sinclair 

And finally it was heartbreak for Swansea on Tuesday as ten man Chelsea pegged back Brendan Rodgers’ men deep into added on time. A stunning striker from former Chelsea man Scott Sinclair looked to have set up yet another famous victory and when Ashley Cole was dismissed his side looked to set to leave South Wales empty handed. A wicked deflection of Neil Taylor, from Jose Boswingwa’s shot left Michel Vorm with no chance.

The Swans are now fourteenth in the league and will need to ensure that they are not dragged into the dogfight at the bottom as they are currently nine points clear. 

QPR set to land Cisse after adding Diakite

Mark Hughes sparked life into the transfer window today by completing the loan singing of Mali midfielder Samba Diakite and former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse is set to arrive tomorrow to add much needed frontline firepower.

Terms have been agreed with Italian side Lazio as the R’s pushed through a permanent deal thought to be in the region of £4million. The flamboyant 30 year old, will be tasked with adding much needed support to Heidar Helguson who has been offered little help from his fellow forwards to date.

Djibril Cisse 

His signing does end Hughes’ search for a striker after failing to land Brazilian Henrique due to work permit issues, and ends any chance of a sensational swoop for castaway striker Carlos Tevez.

The former Liverpool record signing is set to complete the formalities of his move in time to make his debut away at Aston Villa. It is unlikely Diakite will be involved on Wednesday as he has just returned from international duty at the African Nations Cup.

His club Nancy announced today that it would cost around the £4million mark to make the move permanent, he is highly thought of in Ligue A and will add more depth to a midfield that has been found lacking on a number of occasions.

Samba Diakite 

Tomorrow is expected to a busy day at Loftus Road as Hughes will be keen to add further to his squad after the signings of defenders Nedum Onuoha and Taye Taiwo, a number of fringe players may well be moved on also.