We all pay our money, and we could all see that the display was poor yesterday, but spare a thought for supporters of Watford and Charlton who have been watching it all season.
Comments such as "This is F***ing S***e!" etc... are not going to help in the grand scheme of things. The place was rocking against Chelsea and we gave them a very good run for their money with almost the same starting line-up.
It's all so easy to come up with negative points one week and yet praise the team for being world beaters the next. We used to suffer this week in week out in the Second Division but I had hoped that the stupid negativity of some "Wigan supporters" had been irradicated, sadly the shoots of recovery are on their way back.
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With the exception of Arjan De Zeeuw, David Cotterrill and Emile Heskey, I was woefully upset with the lot of them.
It is worth bearing in mind the achievements of Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last week. With a severely depleted side they beat none other than Arsenal 1-0.
The simple difference between that game and our 3-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers? Desire and teamwork.
We had it in abbundance last term, but the influx of cash hungry mercinaries has seen it disappear somewhat. We started the season poorly, but Paul Jewell managed to achieve some good performances, it's now back to the same old poor play.
There is a severe lack of the desire and determination that won us many games last season and there is also an alarming lack of teamwork. The starting eleven that did so well last season all knew their role, even the subsitutes who came in for injuries.
No-one seems to know their role in the current team. As a result, the defending was embarrasing with the midfield offering little or no protection to the defence, where is Graham Kavanagh when you need him?
Paul Scharner's injury has certainly rocked the defensive make-up of the midfield but it is short-sighted-ness of manager Paul Jewell to sell Kavanagh with no cover for Scharner.
The defence wasn't much better. Why Boyce and Hall were playing out of position no-one will ever know and both Baines and Wright were moved out of position to accomodate each other playing out of position!
Wright may well have offered some of that defensive protection from his midfield berth, instead Baines was put in their to look lost and deserted in the hope that a ball may fall to him on the edge of the 18 yard area.
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Despite all their misgivings, it is also worth mentioning that the team severely lacked guidance yesterday. Not only were players playing severaly out of position, but they were receiving no guidance from the three wise men (Jewell, Hutchings ans Seagraves) on the touchline.
It was taking too long to review the match this way, so it seemed best to summarise the (mis)happenings for each player.
Player Ratings
Chris Kirkland (6) - Didn't have a great deal to do all afternoon, despite a 3-0 defeat. He didn't stand much chance with the goals but there was nothing out of the ordinary either.
Fitz Hall (4) - I don't think Fitz can come into the category of mercinary. He had a good go yesterday but to put things simply, just because he has pace, it doesn't mean he can play at full back.
Leighton Baines (5) - Was doing his job well at left back, not playing particuarly well by his own standards, but certainly not below the expected standard. As a result of playing well the England under 21 internatrional was pushed into the unfamiliar territory of central midfield. A tactical shot in the foot from manager Paul Jewell which left Denny Landzaat with the job of two midfielders, and he struggles enough to do his own role.
Emerson Boyce (5) - More versatille than former Palace colleague Hall. Boyce CAN play at centre back in the same way that elephants can swim. He CAN do it if he has to, but only when absolutely needed. I cannot understand why PJ doesn't simply have Hall at centre back and Boyce at right back. A partner for 36 year old Arjan De Zeeuw is desperately needed.
Arjan De Zeeuw (7) - Has there been a game were the big Dutchman has given less than 100%? At 36 years of age De Zeeuw has lost none of his fighting spirit and it must have hurt to play for that Latics team yesterday. A team of eleven Arjan De Zeeuw's and we wouldn't be struggling in the division. There is no player in the current side who has anywhere near as much heart as Arry.
David Cotterill (8) - A terrific performance from the young lad. Another player who showed heart yesterday and didn't deserve to be on the losing side.
Denny Landzaat (4) - He's struggling to settle to the English pace of the game. It often takes a season and Landzat is not upto speed yet. He and Skoko cannot play in the central midfield together, and it's not Skoko that needs to be dropped.
Josip Skoko (5) - The injury affected his display but it wasnot one of the better Josip Skoko performances.
Kevin Kilbane (3) - I could have done better. It was tempting not to add to that comment but well, I thought I would try and wear my keyboard out listing his faults. After a decent, hard-working start to his Wigan Athletic career, Kevin Kilbane has settled into a nice easy life on the left flank. There is no creativity and the all the effort has disappeared. A hopeful punt down the wing does not class as a pass Kevin...
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Emile Heskey (7) - Another big performance from the striker. He doesn't possess the danger that Henri Camara offers but the team play that Emile commits is second to none. The sooner Henri is back to partner him the better.
Substitutes (Or lack of them)
David Wright (5) - Came on for the injured Skoko and was asked to play at left back with Baines in the central midfield. Don't ask!
Why name Tomas Cywka on the bench if you have no intention of using him?
Conclusion
A very very very very very very bad day at the office, we never do well against Blackburn. They don't come along like this too often and PJ normally sorts them out. The only problem is that next up we have a trip to Stamford Bridge.
Keep the belief and the support and Paul Jewell will sort it out. He doesn't tolerate fools gladly. Booing and swearing may make you feel better for your own faults and troubles, but it doesn't help the team.
What do you think? Let us know on the messageboard or email me - wiganer@blueyonder.co.uk
