Comment: Johansson improving with each game

Last updated : 05 February 2006 By Paul Farrington
Andreas Johansson: Improving
The Latics had a serious striking problem against Bolton at the Reebok on Saturday and Johansson came on to replace the below-par Mellor, going on to score the equaliser.

The goal was Johansson's first Premiership goal for Wigan and his season total is at four. The third highest at the club behind JR and Camara.

The 28 year old attacking midfielder has yet to find his niche within the squad but he has started to show a steady improvement and yesterday's goal could be the stepping stone needed.

Johansson has been playing mostly in the Carling Cup games and has been improving in those. In particular an impressive performance against Newcastle United caught the eye.

After a difficult start, and a rumoured move in January, Johansson is earning his place in the squad.

The physical side of his game is improving and this is complimenting the technical skill Johansson possess. I feel all the Swedish star needs to do now is find his niche in the squad.

Joe Cole stuggled at Chelsea early on. He could play in a variety of positions and this was a hinderance not a positive. He is now a settled left sided midfielder and is pushing for an England place.

In the same way, Johansson needs to find a position and focus on earning a starting place there. The goal against Bolton will have done him no harm.

On a side note, it was amusing to hear the Bolton fans and Sam Allardyce moaning that the free-kick that brought Wigan's goal should not have been.

Neither should half of our side earned yellow cards. In particular Pascal Chimbonda who will now miss the Liverpool game.

Learn how to play proper football Sam!

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Andreas Johansson (Wigan) appearances
DateCompetitionHomeResAwayGlsCrd
04/02/2006PremiershipBolton Wdrs.1-1Wigan Ath. *1
28/01/2006F.A. CupMan City1-0Wigan Ath.0
24/01/2006League CupArsenal2-1Wigan Ath. *0
21/01/2006PremiershipMiddlesbrough2-3Wigan Ath. *0
17/01/2006F.A. CupLeeds Utd.3-3Wigan Ath.1
15/01/2006PremiershipWigan Ath. *0-1West Brom.0
10/01/2006League CupWigan Ath. *1-0Arsenal0
07/01/2006F.A. CupWigan Ath.1-1Leeds Utd.0
20/12/2005League CupWigan Ath.2-0Bolton Wdrs.0
17/12/2005PremiershipWigan Ath. *3-0Charlton Ath.0
30/11/2005League CupWigan Ath.1-0Newcastle Utd.0
29/10/2005PremiershipWigan Ath. *1-0Fulham0
25/10/2005League CupWigan Ath.3-0Watford2
20/09/2005League CupWigan Ath.1-0Bournemouth0
20/08/2005PremiershipCharlton Ath.1-0Wigan Ath.0
14/08/2005PremiershipWigan Ath. *0-1Chelsea0
Appearances 8 (* + 8 as sub); Goals 4; Yellow cards 0; Red cards 0