The team has been referred to as a reserve team, but on view of the performance given, this cannot be the case.
A number of players put in top draw performances and will now be hoping to be involved in the trip to Anfield on Saturday.
Mike Pollitt gave a relatively solid performance in goal with few saves to make, but didn't display his early season form.
Ryan Taylor had a very good game at right back and it's a shame he has Pascal Chimbonda to beat for a first team spot. Paul Jewell certainly has a nice selection headache in this position after the 20 year old's performance last night.
While at left back, Steve McMillan displayed all his qualities that attracted Bruce Rioch to pay £500,000 for his services. However the injury prone full back was forced to leave the pitch at half time with a knne injury.
Emerson Thome didn't want to be on the pitch and after the slightest knock left the field with "concussion." While Matt Jackson, his partner at centre back, gave Arjan De Zeeuw something to think about after his mistake at the weekend.
However, it was in midfield where the biggest performances were given. Josip Skoko in particular was on fire and his performance warrants a starting place in Saturday's team selection.
The 29 year old midfielder played in the holding role just in front of the back four and persisted in running the game with the Newcastle midfield chasing shadows.
The range of passing displayed by the Aussie international was outstanding, and his positional sense was superb with the ball seemingly always falling at his feet.
As the clock ran down the legs began to give way as the lack of match practice set in, but on view of this performance and Damien Francis' current form, Skoko could well be set to start on Saturday.
Andreas Johansson went some way to proving he isn't a waste of money with a competent display while Alan Mahon put in a solid performance.
It was on the right flank that I was pleased. Despite a poor first half, Gary Teale came into his own in the second half. We all know about his poor defensive qualities and these were obvious throughout the 90 minutes, but the flying winger began to show some of his top form in the second half.
This delighted the Latics faithful and will have brought a smile to manager Paul Jewell’s face. I have been open in my criticism of Jimmy Bullard after his dismal display on Saturday and there can be no doubt that he cannot offer the attacking options of Gary Teale. Should Teale hit top form, there is no doubt over who should adopt the right flank position.
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While for the attention of Terry Thomas, I was on my feet after his [Bullard’s] goal against Arsenal, but I was not happy with his attitude against Tottenham. I can tolerate anyone having a bad game, but not when they have the wrong attitude. I’d also like to see your website.
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Up front, David Connolly proved why Paul Jewell spent £2 million on him with a well taken penalty. He worked tirelessly and was unfortunate not to score late on in the first half, but for a superb save from Irish ‘keeper Shay Given.
The big answer gained from the forward’s was given by Scottish international Lee McCulloch who proved that he is a more than capable striker and the Latics have no worries in this department when Henri Camara is unavailable for selection in JanuaryThe 27 year old was powerful and dominated against a very good defender in JA Boumsong.
He forced an excellent save from Shay Given and looked a threat all night. Surely a left winger must be on the shopping list now to allow Jig a spot up topAll-in-all in was a superb performance from the Latics who have once again proved that they are capable of beating any team. Not only beating them, but not letting them near the ball in the processWell played lads.
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Cue the posts re:attendance. It's all they can get at now, our team is awesome. Says it all when a weakened Wigan knocks out a full strength Newcastle.
Email me - wiganer@blueyonder.co.uk
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