WIGAN 1 - 0 Sunderland
Delighted with the result and the best way to respond to last week's record breaking defeat to Tottenham. The victory was made all the more swwet as Steve Bruce was powerless to inspire his average looking expensive Sunderland side.
This was more of the Latics we are used to but if Maynor Figueroa leaves in January then a left back must be the top of bob's shopping list. He is a class above Edman and would have had Lennon in his pocket last week.
Steve Bruce proved that whilst he may now shop in Waitrose, he is very much a Tesco manager. He employed the same defensive tactics that he has done for the entirety of his career, before piling on the strikers at 1-0 down.
I guess with Jonny taxpayer helping the unemployed population of Sunderland make the trip to Wigan, they were always going to bring a good following. It's a shame they've got a manager who isn't going to take them anywhere fast.
Star man: Maynor Figueroa - His return boosted the strength of the backline and it was little coincidence to see us keep a clean sheet. Hugo Rodallega was impressive when he moved up top and Paul Scharner provided a good link to the frnt players.
Worst performer: Steve Bruce - He's spent a small fortune at Sunderland in the local Waitrose but he is a Tesco manager. Defensive from the outset before throwing on strikers at 1-0 down. He used to do that at Wigan too.
Best moment: Hugo Rodallega sealing a confidence boosting winning goal from ther slightest of angles.
Tactics: For as bad as we were last week, we learnt our lessons. Defensively we were much improved (although Sunderland offered little), and we had more impetus going forward.
Early on in the game we looked to be lacking in confidence which wasn't too much of a surprise, but certainly after Rodallega's goal, things improved and we could have had two or three more.
Chant of the game: Brucey, Brucey whats the score?
Opposition fans: A good following from the Mackems who adopt an area of the country that is supported heavily by Jonny taxpayer, so it was nice to see our money spent on football tickets at the DW as opposed to bailing out the bankers. The unemployed have plenty of time to spare so they won't mind watching that expensive rubbish that Bruce will put out each week.
Paul Farrington
WIGANER.net