Newcastle v Latics Premier League Preview

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. 

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.

Gary Caldwell

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 Antolin Alcaraz, Albert Crusat, Ivan Ramis and Ben Watson are all ruled out with various ongoing injuries.

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.

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. 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 lengthy 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.

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.

Arouna Kone and Franco Di Santo led the line impressively and Jordi Gomez was unfortunate not to have been awarded a penalty 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. 

Adrian Lopez

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 disappointment with a run in the Cup. 

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.

Much will depend on Monday evening if Martinez’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 Newcastle, but will want to take advantage of the situation and move clear of Newcastle and the teams below them.

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 Blackburn securing their top flight status in the process. 

Latics v Manchester City - Premier League Preview

The Latics welcome the Champions Manchester City 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.

Roberto Martinez must deal with an injury crisis as he prepares to do battle against Roberto Mancini’s unbeaten team. 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 Reading.

Jordi Gomez

Better news for Martinez 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. Midfielders Albert Crusat and Ben Watson miss out, while winger Ryo Miyaichi and defender Antolin Alcaraz remain on the sidelines.

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 Manchester.

Martinez 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.

Vincent Kompany

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.

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 Chelsea on Sunday.

Midfielder Jack Rodwell is making progress but not ready to feature, while right-back Micah Richards remains out.

Joleon Lescott is fit again after injury, but the England international is not expecting to replace Matija Nastasic in the starting XI.

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.

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.

Latics 1-2 West Brom – Latics Run Halted By Impressive Baggies

The Latics were unable to secure a third straight victory on Saturday afternoon, as an impressive West Brom maintained their excellent start to the season.

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.

Arouna Kone 

The Latics response was immediate with Arouna Kone getting on the end Jean Beausejour’s low cross to reduce areas before the break.

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 Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku denied by a great save from Al Habsi.

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.

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.

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. 

Billy Jones

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.

Up next for the Latics is a trip to Liverpool, where they will hope to reproduce their performance last season when they left Anfield with all three points, which sparked the great escape.

Fans will keep an eye on Franco Di Santo who could line up alongside Lionel Messi for his Argentina debut as they take on Saudi Arabia in midweek.

Martinez 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 Wigan in time for the short trip to Merseyside on Saturday. 

Tottenham 0-1 Latics – Watson Strike Seals Impressive Win

The Latics stunned Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon, as Ben Watson solitary strike was enough to give the Latics their second consecutive league win.

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.

Arouna Kone, Ivan Ramis & Ben Watson

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Much of the pre match talk had focussed on how the Latics would deal with the inform Gareth Bale, and Martinez’s men responded by doubling up on the Welsh star, disturbing his influence on proceedings.

Gareth Bale & Jean Beausejour 

Wigan’s goal early into the second period stunned White Hart Lane, and this seemed to affect the home side, and voiced their disapproval when Jermain Defoe was changed for Emmanuel Adebayor shortly after the opening.

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.

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.

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.

The victory signals a fantastic start to November as the Latics still face a trip to Liverpool, along with three crucial home games as the season really begins to take shape. 

Latics 2-1 West Ham - Ramis Stunner Sets Up Win

The Latics produced their best performance of the season on Saturday afternoon, to secure their first home victory, against a lacklustre West Ham.

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.

Ivan Ramis

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.  

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.

Having named an unchanged team from last week’s defeat to Swansea, Martinez’s men put in a more complete performance which stifled their visitors from the outset.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Ramis and captain Gary Caldwell were helped out by Maynor Figueroa at the back and kept the on loan Liverpool player as he was left frustrated all afternoon.

James McArthur

The Latics were unlucky not to have gone into the break with better cushion with McCarthy, Beausejour and Shaun Maloney all going close.

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.

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.

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.

The late consolation was the only blight on a terrific afternoon’s work from Martinez’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.

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.

Before the visit to London is the Capital One Cup tie against League Two’s Bradford City, on Tuesday night. The fourth round tie will provide Martinez with the perfect opportunity to freshen up and give his fringe players game time.  

Latics 2-2 Everton – Latics Denied by Late Penalty

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.

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.

Franco Di Santo

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Argentine almost added a third, moments later, as his smart attempt was kept out by Tim Howard.

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.

Shaun Maloney

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.

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.

Former Latic Leighton Baines emphatically beat Al Habsi from the spot to secure a share of the spoils for his team.

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.

Despite the feeling of having dropped two points it was certainly an encouraging performance from Martinez’s men as they more than matched one of the form teams of the early season.

Up next is a trip to South Wales after the international break and Martinez will be keen to see his international’s return without any injuries, as he prepares his side for a crucial run. 

Latics Land Scottish Star

Wigan have completed the signing of Aberdeen teenager Fraser Fyvie, for an undisclosed fee on a 3 year deal, becoming the first signing of the summer.

Martinez beat off rivals Fulham to the signature of the 19 year old, who has captained Scotland at various age levels.

Fraser Fyvie

With his contract ending in January, Aberdeen have decided to cash in on their academy grown player, who made his first team debut at only 16.

Fyvie's arrival will add much needed cover for the midfield, after the departure of Mohamed Diame on a free at the end of the season. 

Martinez was delighted at his latest recruit from North of the border: "Technically he's very gifted, enjoys playing in midfield where he can cover large areas, he's very powerful off the ball and in possession is someone who can read the tempo of the game very well."

Despite his tender age he has gained a lot of exposure in the top flight in Scotland something, Martinez believes will allow Fyvie to settle in quickly: "Also you have to remember that for such a young player he's played a lot of games in the Scottish Premier League at a high standard which shows maturity."

He joins a growing group of fellow Scot’s plying their trade at the DW Stadium, with Gary Caldwell James McArthur and Shaun Maloney already on board.

Gary Caldwell & James McArthur

With the future’s of a number of the current squad still to be decided, Latics fans can expect to see a few player head for the exit doors. Although Martinez will be keen to add further cover to both his defensive and forward line, before the start of their eighth campaign in the Premier League.

The South American Influence

As we said goodbye to a memorable 2011/12 season on Sunday, I caught up with the BBC’s South American Football expert, the Legendinho, Tim Vickery on Friday evening, and discussed his thoughts on the current South American contingent at the DW Stadium.

Franco Di Santo

In his second full season at the DW Stadium, since arriving from Chelsea back in the summer of 2010, the Argentinean has improved greatly.

Franco Di Santo

Having started out at Audax Italiano in the Chilean Primera Division, he made a real impression, and Tim expressed his disappointment, at his decision to move to Chelsea: “I was disappointed when he joined Chelsea, he’d been playing so well for Audax, scoring goals not only in the league but in the Copa Libertadores. (the continent’s equivalent of the Champions League). It was the wrong move at the wrong time.”

Having bagged 7 times this season including crucial strikes against Arsenal and Newcastle, the number 9 has won the adoration of fans, and is set for a big future at the club.

Tim pointed out that Di Santo will gain confidence from this season and will go from strength to strength: “He’s a versatile striker, who can play anyone along the front line, and we’ve seen over the last few months what he can do, given a run of games.”

With reported interest from Stoke City and considering his ill-advised move to Chelsea, perhaps think twice ahead of any move away from Wigan, as the club will play a huge part in his all round development.

The key for Di Santo is goals, as is the case with any forward, if he can get into double figures for the first time in a Wigan shirt next season, it will go a long way to improving his game and crucially the Latics as a club.

Jean Beausejour

Having been relegated with Birmingham City at the end of last season, his January arrival was met with some scepticism by fans.

Against the odds his arrival sparked a revival in the Latics form, and he has played a huge part in the club winning seven of their last nine games.

Jean Beausejour

Tim talked up the versatility that the Chilean international offers to the Latics: “To any team, he offers so much versatility; he can play in a number of positions even left wing back. His club career has floundered unlike his international form which secured his move to England, following the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, where his side impressed at times.”

His flexibility and work rate allowed for manager Roberto Martinez to implement a complete change of formation, in order to fight against relegation. It was seen as a bold move and a gamble in hindsight, that has certainly paid off, and Tim expressed his delight at the success that Beasuejour has had at the Latics: “I am delighted that he has come off at Wigan, he is sure to play a huge part for the club next season.”

Antolin Alcaraz

The Paraguayan international has formed a reliable and solid partnership with captain Gary Caldwell during the run in.

He has chipped in with goals also from set pieces, with the crucial opener against Stoke City back in March, and his late winner at Blackburn will live long in the memory.

Having played his entire career in Europe notably with Beira Mar in Portugal and Club Brugge of Belgium, he has settled into life in the English top flight quicker than most South American’s.

Antolin Alcaraz

Tim spoke of Alcaraz's ability to lead the backline: “He was unheard of in Paraguay when he won his first cap, since then he has flourished paying at the World Cup and he scored a memorable goal against, the then, World Champions Italy.

He came into the squad to add height, he does perhaps lack the class of a true quality centre half, but he has done very well to settle in, in England and is reliable.”

For Alcaraz he like many at the club will fast forward through the first half the end of season DVD, but will take serious encouragement from his form in the back end of the campaign. 

He is likely to link up with Caldwell once again come August but will expect some serious competition, as the Latics will go out to add defensive cover, in the transfer market. 

Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Wigan – Late Goal Secures Survival

Antolin Alcaraz’s late winner ensured that the Latics pulled of the greatest of all great escapes’ with one game remaining on Monday evening, and in the process relegated Blackburn Rovers to the Championship.

Alcaraz rose ahead of Captain Gary Caldwell to meet Jean Beausejour late corner, and sent the travelling Latics into delirium.

Antolin Alcaraz

It was an incredible sixth win from their last eight games, and now leaves the club 5 points clear of the drop, and means the fans can enjoy the final game of the season on Sunday afternoon.

Considering the magnitude of the task the club faced, in order to ensure an eighth season at the top table, this escape will go down in the club's history as the greatest of them all.

The majority of the hard work was done in earlier games of the run in, with memorable victories against Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Tonight’s performance typified the fighting spirit when many would have held firm and took a share of the points, late on they went in search of the winner.

Within the closing stages the just reward came for the faith shown in Martinez from the owner Dave Whelan, who will undoubtedly be delighted with his club's latest achievement.  

Speaking to the press following the game Captain Caldwell praised his manager: “Credit goes to him (Martinez), when everyone doubted us he held firm. He stuck to his principles and continued to play football and now we have reaped the rewards.”

The talismanic skipper was keen to stress the point that the club now needs to build on this: "We do not want to be in this position next season, we've proven that we can more than survive at this level, we have to build on this and bring success to the fans." 

Gary Caldwell 

For the vast majority of the game the home side looked resigned to their fate, and Martinez’s men put in a professional performance and took advantage of the sour atmosphere within the ground.

The Latics had the better of the first half with Victor Moses causing havoc amongst the Rovers backline. Jean Beausejour was given plenty of freedom from the home side but the Latics were not able to add the killer touch.

Arguably the highlight of the half will have been Ali Al Habsi’s intervention when a chicken donning a Rovers flag made his way onto the pitch, the only time Al Habsi was called into action. The home side were unable to create pressure and carve out any genuine chances with the inform Junior Hoilett and top scorer Yakubu being kept quiet.

Martinez will have been disappointed at how his side did not press home the advantage just as they did in the clash with Newcastle last week.

As the rain continued to pour down into the second half the home side finally decided to go for it a little more.

Beausejour was on hand early into the second period when he cleared Yakubu’s goal bound attempt after a great knock down from Scott Dann.

The Latics responded and Moses should have done better when he flashed over following Franco Di Santo’s cushioned header.

The home side had a great shout for a penalty on the hour mark, when it seemed as though Emmerson Boyce took away Hoilett’s standing leg when he was about to pull the trigger.

  

With only ten minutes left to play Moses and James McCarthy were unable to beat Paul Robinson after some great link up play leaving the Rovers backline on the back foot.  

Jean Beausejour

As the home fans turned on the owners and their manager instead of pushing the team on for the winner that they required the Latics pressed for the points. 

Scottish international Maloney should have sealed up the three points when he headed over from Boyce’s pin point cross, moments later Moses low cross was just too quick for substitute Conor Sammon.

From the resulting corner Paraguayan international Alcaraz headed the winner home past the despairing Robinson.

The result now means that the Latics will take to the field in August in what will be their eight consecutive season amongst the elite. An incredible feat that looked highly unlikely following their dismal home defeat to Swansea only two months ago.

This escape will go down in the history of the club as the greatest, when most had written them off, Martinez stuck with philosophy, the board held firm, and kept faith in their man and boy has it paid off, as the 3000 strong fans chanted all night: “We shall not be moved.” 

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.

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 

Latics Land Huge Win

As captain Gary Caldwell exquisitely struck the winner, in front of the Kop end he breathed fire into his club’s fight for Premier League survival.

In what was a wonderful team performance the Latics dominated for long periods and they took the lead after half an hour, after Martin Skrtel struck the lively Victor Moses plum in the face, and Shaun Maloney did the honours from the spot.

Gary Caldwell

Roberto Martinez kept the belief in the starting XI that drew with West Brom last weekend and his rallying call during the week seemed to do the trick.

Chilean international Jean Beausejour was a constant threat all afternoon as he and Moses proved to be a handful for both Liverpool full backs, but as with on many occasions this season the end product was lacking.

This was until the usually reliable Skrtel lost his composure and raised his boot in the face of Moses, leaving Lee Mason with no other option but to point to the spot.

After a long wait as a result of the injury to Moses, (which was to eventually force him off) Maloney held his cool and sent the travelling Latics into delirium.

After the break the controversial Luis Suarez levelled things up after some great link up play with Steven Gerrard and it looked very much as if that would be that.

Suarez looked to have given the home side the lead with a header, but after some confusion he was adjudged to have impeded Caldwell.

This seemed to give the Latics the wakeup call they needed as Martinez marshalled the troops from the sideline and eventually his side regained their composure and control of the game.

The winner game after James McCarthy’s speculative strike caught the Liverpool backline out and Caldwell pounced as the ball fell to him and he struck the historical winner.

Shaun Maloney

Results elsewhere mean the Latics remain in the drop zone but are now within one point of Bolton in seventeenth and results elsewhere see Wolves cut adrift at the foot of the table.

After a string of encouraging performances this result will have pundits take note the Latics are well and truly up for the fight.

Next up it is Stoke City at home, in what is simply a must win game. Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal follow Saturday’s encounter and 3 points are a must.

Norwich City 1-1 Wigan - Latics show signs that they are up for the fight

Roberto Martinez’s men showed signs of significant improvement in a spirited performance, but will leave Norfolk kicking themselves having dominated and created the better openings in what was an entertaining encounter.

After last week’s horror show at the DW against Swansea you got the feeling that the Latics were going to bring their stay in the top flight to an end come May. 

Roberto Martinez & Victor Moses

The big issue for Wigan is that they are yet again involved in a scrap for Premier League survival in what is now their sixth season in the top flight.

Taking the next step forward is key for Wigan if they are genuinely to be considered as an established Premier League team, you get a feeling if they were to drop back into the Championship they would struggle to come back.

The job that Dave Whelan has done has been nothing short of remarkable to take this small town living in the shadow of the likes of Manchester United into the promise land and maintain their presence.

The big question is can they take the next step up. Investment is a huge issue for them, with the likes of QPR coming up and spending big and with Swansea and Norwich proving to be a more attractive choice for players, getting genuine talent through the door in is an issue.

As for the yesterday’s game they will be left wondering what might have been as they were by far the better team.

A sloppy clearance from the usually reliable Ali Al-Habsi put the defence on the backfoot only ten minutes in, as Wes Hoolahan evaded Gary Caldwell and co to smartly score on his 150^th appearance for the Canaries.

Despite the setback Martinez’s men stuck to their game plan and grew into the game more and were unlucky to not to level before half time.

The Spaniard as he does in every game kicked every ball and unlike last week his decision on substitutes paid off when brought on former Celtic man Shaun Maloney. He proved to be instrumental in the Latics taking a share of the spoils at Carrow Road. He was lively throughout and was on hand to put through Victor Moses, who coolly rounded John Ruddy to level things up.

Maloney was on hand again late on as he played the perfect ball to substitute Mohammed Diame who blasted over with the goal and three points at his mercy.

Shaun Maloney

Wales international Steve Morison nearly broke Wigan hearts as he was denied by Al-Habsi who produced a stunning one handed stop and managed to clear the incoming danger.

As mentioned earlier an improvement at home is going to key for the Latics as their next three games on the road involve Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. Despite their manager’s belief that he has the team and characters in it to stay up, they will look at this game as two points dropped.