Opinion: Time to kick on

Last updated : 03 November 2006 By Paul Farrington

Baines' Goal: The catalyst to recent good form

Back-to-back wins over Fulham and Manchester City recently have instilled a confidence in the team and the supporters that the old fighting spirit is back amongst the ranks again.

Early in the season, defeats and below par draws were all too common. The team seemed to be lacking the fight that lead them to success last season. Jeweller clearly had work to do if his rough diamonds were to become a polished outfit.

Perhaps unsurprisingly he has managed to pull it off. The Wigan Athletic team of the past five seasons has been through changes as players moved on and bigger, better ones came in. Despite these ongoing changes as the team flew up the league pyramid, Jewell has always managed to maintain the team spirit and determination that was lacking prior to his arrival.

It therefore came as quite a disappointment to many supporters when the team showed such a lack of desire early in the term. The home draw to Watford and the defeats to Portsmouth and Crewe spring to mind.

Jewell sorts out his troops at the City game

It was clearly evident in the defeat by Manchester United that something had galvanised the players into a team. The good old Wigan Athletic fighting spirit was back and all it took was a Leighton Baines third-minute thunder-bolt to act as the catalyst.

The players were extremely unlucky not to get anything out of that match and had their been a bit more composure in possession they may well have kept their heads and fought a result out of the league leaders. It wasn't to be and after an hour of chasing the ball, the defence gave way, but there were many positives to take away from the game.

The following weeks demolition of Manchester City was just what both the players and supporters needed. Although Manchester City were appalling, the Latics did not hold up when they got in front. In the past, the squad has settled for a 1-0 victory and slowed the play after scoring. It was a different case against City as the team powered forward on attack after attack urged on by manager Jewell.

Upsetting as it was to see Josip Skoko limp off after just half an hour, it is more than likely that he will return with an increased role in first team affairs. I have bee a fan of Skoko's ever since his world class performance against Newcastle in the Carling Cup last term. I think the Australian international links the play very well and gets the team playing good, enjoyable passing football.

After his departure, the emphasis returned to long balls, which was a little disappointing to see. Never-the-less, the goals flowed and possibly the biggest club in the Universe was sent home with its tail between its legs.

One week later and it was a trip to Fulham. Craven Cottage is never an easy place to go and so to come home with all three points was a bit of a suprise. By all accounts the game was dominated and it could so easily have been three or four.

Camara: Fulham Winner

Henri Camara spared Denny Landzaat's blushes after his missed penalty, with his well taken finish as the game was dying out. It was nice to see the Dutch international had the courage to step up and take the kick – which was excellent apart from the fact that it missed.

There is clearly more to come from Landzaat who is taking time to find his feet. Perhaps he is trying too hard to impress the supporters instead of playing his own football and doing what Denny Landzaat does best.

Once he is used to the aggression and tempo of the Premiership Denny Landzaat has the potential to become a success for the football club. And what better chance to impress the supporters than an impressive display on Saturday against the Wanderers.

To get a result on Saturday at the Reebok Stadium would be a massive achievement for the team. It was not so long ago that we struggled to contain Watford at the JJB Stadium. To go and beat our local neighbours in their own “fortress” of a back yard would be an achievement.

It would also mean three wins on the bounce and proof that this current crop of players are capable of more than the mid-table position that the Jeweller is touting. I fully believe that the squad has the capabilities of making Europe.

But lets not run before we can walk. Here's to another good result against Horwich and moaning, bunging Allardyce.

Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1 (Anelka) Wigan Athletic 1 (Landzaat).

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