Nicky Eaden came in at right back for David Wright, who was seemingly dropped after average games in the draws with Wolves and Burnley. The rest of the side was unchanged.
Do not be swayed by the score line, this was not all one way traffic. Sheffield United started the game very brightly. Jack Lester was at the centre of this as he left a high foot in as he went in on goalkeeper Filan. He was duly booked for this.
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However come the half hour mark and the Latics took the lead. Gary Teale’s up and under cross came down at the back post, where McCulloch headed back across goal. Jagielka’s attempted clearance fell straight to the Duke 18 yards out, he took the ball on his chest before thundering a volley with his left foot into the bottom corner. It was his 50th goal for the Latics in all competitions.
This started a goal rush for Wigan as just three minutes later Jason Roberts managed to get on the score sheet. The impressive Nicky Eaden sent a discerning ball down the right side onto which Ellington raced, he smashed the ball across goal and Roberts arrived in front of his marker to score a simple tap into the bottom corner. Neil Warnock did not look too impressed with his side.
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Latics fans were loving this!
After these three goals in just over five minutes it was a case of keeping the lead into half time as Jewell’s 4-4-2 was out battling and out passing Warnock’s man-for-man 4-4-2 opposition.
Wigan were first to the ball and seemed far more composed in possession, with some divine touches from Ellington in particular as he drew fear from the defenders. The treat has disappeared from United, who now look tame.
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It was the same story in the second half with neither side in control. Yet Wigan possessed to superb strikers and had the ability to open up the United defence on a number of occasions.
United had brought on loanee Tommy Black and Jonathon Forte for Nick Montgomery and Jack Lester, it would not change anything.
The game had quietened off though and only McCulloch’s volley and Ellington’s thunder-bolt troubled Kenny before Frandsen was taken off after he fell awkwardly. The Dane looked to be in considerable pain.
Then right on full time, Jason Roberts rounded Morgan before ‘dinking’ the ball into the goal over keeper Kenny, a delicious goal from the front man after Mahon’s pass put him in.
Mahon had come on the replace Frandsen and McCulloch also came off for David Wright after he appeared to have picked up a knock. There was also an appearance for Emerson Thome as he replaced captain Matt Jackson, who also limped off.
A nice return for a hard days graft, and a return to the top of the table, one point above Stoke and Reading.
Wiganer.net M-O-M: A tough choice for man of the match. Shared between Roberts, Ellington and the returning Nicky Eaden.
Reaction to follow.