Opinion: Crucial result keeps us in touch

Last updated : 16 February 2012 By Paul Farrington

Many a supporter had raised eyebrows when they saw that Momo Diame was on the substitutes bench, but the young Scottish international midfielder put in his best performance in a Wigan Athletic shirt to help drive the team victory.

The winning goal typified just what McArthur’s performance was all about. Not content to pass the ball onto Moses, the determined attitude of McArthur saw him sprint into the box in the hope that the ball may fall his way.

Thankfully it did, and the rest as they say, is history.
There were other notable, big performances from key players. Gary Caldwell gave a message to his critics as he marshalled Kevin Davies excellently and even managed to head the opening goal.

The defence all round was much more secure and only a wonder goal from Mark Davies managed to sneak through. Truth be told, it was going to take something special to get through a stubborn back line.

Franco di Santo proved once again why he is keeping Hugo Rodallega on the bench with a performance that was full of purposeful running. The young Argentine striker also had a goal threat about him as his first half shot forced the corner from which the Latics took the lead.
Then there was Emmerson Boyce at full back who performed so well against Bolton’s key winger, Martin Petrov, that the Bulgarian was substituted at half time.

The whole performance was the polar opposite of Everton. There was a purpose in our possession. It wasn’t a case of moaning about having just one shot on target as our play was powerful and direct, we always looked like we could score a goal.

Even when Bolton managed their equaliser there was a confidence in the away end that with over twenty minutes remaining we could go on and find a winner.

After nine games without a win there was a real doom and gloom settling in the minds of Wigan Athletic supporters, even more so given the number of doubtful performances on recent weeks. Following that win, and performance, against Bolton, there is a real hope that the Latics can get out of the bottom three.

Not only did we manage to take all three points from our local neighbours, but we severely outclassed them on the field and out-shouted them from the stands. Over 2,000 supporters made the trip and every single one wanted to be heard.

With our next four games against Aston Villa, Swansea, Norwich, and West Brom this could be the time to kick on and drive our way up the league table.

There also has to be a special mention to all those who managed to take part in the Walk for Emma. The walk was raising money for an excellent cause and dare I say it managed to galvanise a real siege mentality amongst supporters. Well done to Barry Worthington for organising such a terrific event.

Team huddle