The pre-season nerves were still hanging around but there should be call for optimism as Wigan controlled the game for long periods. The finish wasn’t quite there and the defence needs some fine tuning, but all in all the Latics gave a solid performance and with a couple of new signings safety should be easily within reach.
The game
It was Wigan’s to win on Saturday but an uncharacteristic mistake from Ali Al-Habsi cost the side three points. The blame cannot be solely pinned on the Omani keeper as his defensive duo of Adrian Lopez and Gary Caldwell had a clear lack of communication and looked nothing like Premier League centre backs.
The defence hasn’t been a topic for concern until the weekend and now fans are calling for some new, stronger blood to solidify and contain.
Taking the lead through Ben Watson’s inch perfect penalty gave the whole stadium a lift and really added some atmosphere to what was feared to be a drab game.
The praise goes to a somewhat unloved man at the DW in Franco di Santo whose work-rate and determination won the penalty. Martinez claimed it was the Argentine’s best game in a Wigan shirt and I can only agree with him on that.
The finish wasn’t quite there despite coming close to just his second Wigan goal, but his attitude has improved and the reaction he gave after winning the spot kick showed that he really does care.
It was a shame to see him leave the pitch but the introduction of Conor Sammon and Hugo Rodallega at the time gave the team that edge and flair that was needed.
How they rated
Al-Habsi – 6 – Not his best game, and after the mistake he stuck to his line and lacked confidence.
Boyce – 6 – Played much better when moved to centre back than either of the original choices.
Figueroa – 6 – Great going forward as usual but caught out a few times in defence.
Caldwell – 4 – Very un-captain like performance missed Alcaraz as his partner in defence.
Lopez – 4 – Maybe it was the knock to the head, but Lopez looked alien in the team.
Watson – 7 – Claims by the gaffer that he could play for England are slowly but surely being backed up.
McCarthy – 5 – Rumours that he wouldn’t play should have been listened to, didn’t contribute.
Diame – 6 – Solid and inventive going forward, broke play up well.
Moses – 7 – Man of the match but only just. Showed great skill when dribbling and was unlucky not to have the end product.
Gomez – 4 – His last chance may have come and gone, looked weak and uninterested.
Di Santo – 6 – Great effort and won the penalty, should have started on the wing with Sammon upfront.
Subs
Sammon – 6 – Cause problems for the Norwich defence, helped the game flow to the wings more.
Rodallega – 7 – Not fully fit but changed the game for the better, his skill and link up play with Sammon was brilliant.
Stam – 6 – Little game time but looked comfortable on the right.
Verdict
Not the worst performance, but the team clearly missed Alcaraz’s defensive command. The game against Swansea will be a real test and the front three needs to be on form and show the fans they know where the net is.
