Opinion: Same old story
We really should get used to this by now. As great as the lads did, I still had that feeling as if I knew Liverpool would score.
I have to say I've been incredibly impressed with our new signings. Titus Bramble has surprised many and he produced another sterling performance against Liverpool.
I have to say I've been incredibly impressed with our new signings. Titus Bramble has surprised many and he produced another sterling performance against Liverpool.
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Saying that, this season, we have only done worse in 2 games than I expected, they were Reading away where we should have got at least a point and the other was Fulham at home.
The rest we have got what I expected so there's no need to feel down. As Paul Jewell liked to remind us, anything against the top 4 is always a bonus so we could well be in for another point-less weekend. It seems to be expected amongst wiganers that United are due a rampage and as we're usually there for teams when they need someone - as we were for Liverpool at home last year - it's expected that we'll be that team.
Our main problem at the moment seems to be in attack. Julius Aghahowa didn't look as if he could hit a barn door on Saturday and Bent didn't impress, that said he was very unfortunate not to find himself on the score sheet after more inept work from the FA's finest. For me, we don't look dangerous enough in the final third. In recent games we have defended like stallions but flopped when it came to putting the ball in the back of the net.
Emile Heskey's goal scoring record isn't inspiring but it's the sheer presence and influence of England's number 9 that the Latics crave at the moment. Carragher and Hyypia beat Bent and Aghahowa to nearly every ball on Saturday and when they had the ball at their feet, the Wigan front men failed to sparkle where Heskey would have.
Emile Heskey's goal scoring record isn't inspiring but it's the sheer presence and influence of England's number 9 that the Latics crave at the moment. Carragher and Hyypia beat Bent and Aghahowa to nearly every ball on Saturday and when they had the ball at their feet, the Wigan front men failed to sparkle where Heskey would have.
We need to add another striker in January. Even the Aghahowa fans must realise this. We just don't have the strength up front with Sibierski not living up to his positive early start.
Our midfield for me is sorted. I've been impressed with Kevin Kilbane this year and if Bouazzon isn't up to scratch, I would feel comfortable with Killer filling in. Our defence has strong competition. Emmerson Boyce has returned and given Chris Hutchings some real selection headaches with Bramble and Andreas Granqvist.
Left back appears to be a major problem at the moment with Olembe not being match fit yet so we could really do with him shining when he finally steps up.
Our midfield for me is sorted. I've been impressed with Kevin Kilbane this year and if Bouazzon isn't up to scratch, I would feel comfortable with Killer filling in. Our defence has strong competition. Emmerson Boyce has returned and given Chris Hutchings some real selection headaches with Bramble and Andreas Granqvist.
Left back appears to be a major problem at the moment with Olembe not being match fit yet so we could really do with him shining when he finally steps up.
Recent performances from our strikers have lead me to make two pessimistc predictions:
1- Julius Aghahowa will never net a competitive goal for Wigan Athletic.
2- We won't win a game until Emile Heskey returns.
2- We won't win a game until Emile Heskey returns.
Harsh, I know and I really want to be proved wrong but I just can't see it.
As for the weekend, I like many predict a defeat:
Manchester United 3-0 Wigan Athletic.
In my last few sentences I have sounded like a right morbid git but believe it or not I am positive about this season and think we'll be a good ten points above the relegation scrap. I have every confidence in Hutch and for him to bring in the right man in January.
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