One point being that three strikers playing away home from Old Trafford against Manchester United will leave big gaps at the back!
It was a bold move by Jewell to employ David Connolly, Henri Camara and Jason Roberts in the same starting line-up, unfortunately it didn’t pay off.
Jackson maintained his place at the back alongside a shaky Stephane Henchoz with Arjan De Zeeuw still out injured. Baines and Chimbonda were the full backs.
A trio of Bullard, Skoko and Mahon made up the midfield with Camara and Connelly flanking Jason Roberts up front.
The change of system held United at bay early on with the Latics playing good football, however it was seemingly obvious that at some point Rooney would get isolated one-on-one with his marker, not something you would hope for.
The opener came from another set piece as Pascal Chimbonda was beaten by the impressive Rio Ferdinand to a near post header. The England centre back flicked his header into the far corner of the goal.
Chimbonda himself put in another good performance in a Latics shirt, but showed a few lapses in concentration, while at left back, Baines must be pushing for an England call-up after his recent form.
Jackson held his own against a £50 million strike force, but alongside him Henchoz looked unsteady and slow.
Josip Skoko was given the ‘Makelele’ role in midfield but his performance didn’t live up to performance he gave against the Magpies in the Carling Cup. The Australian left the field at half time with a groin injury and was replaced by Graham Kavanagh who added plenty of bite to the Latics midfield.
Alan Mahon offered plenty going forward, but on a night where defending would be paramount, the Irish man was lacking going backwards.
Jimmy Bullard displayed once more than he isn’t short of ability, but his tendency to chase the ball, and give the ball away in dodgy areas came back to haunt him, this luxury isn’t afforded at the top level.
David Connolly worked tirelessly on the left side but got little joy out of Gary Neville. The main disappointment was another average display from Henri Camara.
The pint sized striker has failed to re-discover his early season form. It was also slightly worrying to see Jason Roberts lose his heart in the second half. Roberts has shown he has the pace and power to beat Kolo Toure, so Wes Brown should have been easy meat.
Rooney was awesome, it would have taken one hell of a defender to keep him under control and he should have had a hat-trick but for Van Nistelrooy’s greed in taking the late penalty.
Rooney’s second goal in particular caught the eye. He closed in on goal like a seasoned professional and with the impressive Mike Pollitt hurtling out to meet him, a deft little lob floated the ball over the Latics ‘keeper and into the net.
You couldn’t help but appreciate the skill. His first goal owed a lot to persistence. Matt Jackson had seemingly won the ball from the 20 year old striker, only for him to battle back possession, turn Jackson and side-step Baines before smashing the ball home left footed.
For Wigan, Camara had two good attempts in the first half, one saw his header flash past the post after a Bullard cross. Lee McCulloch had a penalty shout late on, but away sides don’t get penalties at Old Trafford while Camara snatched at a shot that flew wide.
Alan Mahon posed the greatest threat to the United goal with two long range efforts being saved fantastically by Edwin Van der Sar.
At the end of the day however, it is no disgrace to go to these sides and come away on the end of a hiding. With the way the side played at Chelsea, it was baffling to understand why PJ chose to change the system.
All eyes are towards Charlton now, where the Latics will hope to get back to winning ways. Come on Wigan!
Man of the match: Mike Pollitt. His best performance in a Latics shirt, despite letting in four goals. The result could have been 7 or 8 but for Pollitt.
Ratings
Mike Pollitt - 9
Pascal Chimbonda - 7
Leighton Baines - 8
Stephane Henchoz - 5
Matt Jackson - 6
Jimmy Bullard - 6
Alan Mahon - 7
Josip Skoko - 6
David Connolly - 7
Jason Roberts - 5
Henri Camara - 6
Subs
Graham Kavanagh - 7
Lee McCulloch - 6
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