Wigan=best away side this season?

[Trouserdog]

The way they started the game looked very ominous for our fragile defence. Their forwards repeatedly cut through our backline and were shooting at will. Luckily Will was sat in row 16 of the Boothen End...ho ho.

Seriously, how many shots did they have off target in the opening half an hour? It looked like it was only a matter of time before we collapsed, but no! We held firm then took the lead against the run of play!

Some of the football played by Wigan in that opening 45 minutes was very impressive though to say the least. They move the ball about effectively and at pace...I woulldn't be at all surprised if they were promoted this season (as much as i hope they aren't,the egg chasing bastards!)

The second half though I thought we matched them, despite Cutler being called into action a few more times than their keeper was. What the game highlighted to me was just how close we are to having a genuine play-off chasing team. A better centre half and a partner for super John and we'd be there or thereabouts.

A point gained, rather than two dropped, even against ten men.

Cutler 7 Couldn't stop the goal and one or two smart saves.

Halls 8* composed at the back and a threat going forward too.

Clarke 7 Left his man open a bit but generally a good game.

Williams 7 Unconvincing at times but did throw his ample buttocks in the way of a few shots!

Thomas 7 A bit shaky but no calamatous errors to speak of.

Hoekstra 7 back on the left and played well in spells.

Russell 7 Worked hard in the middle

Eustace 8 Another all action performance from super John. How the hell did we get him on a free?

Asaba 7 Looked lost early on when playing as a square peg in a round hole (c) Triffic Tone. Improved when he went upfront.

GNW 6 Not bad but didn't seem fully fit.

Akinbiyi 8 Took his goal well and was a constant pest to the Wigan defence.

subs:-

Svard 7 Tidy performance although crossing obviously not his forte.

Commons 6 Not as effective as he can be.

Hill 5 Only on for about ten minutes but to be honest he looked poor. He can still play the "fitness" card as an excuse but I for one have my doubts about him.

[Deleted]

second behind Norwich I think for team that impressed me most, although it was mainly in that opening half hour, they didn't look as impressive after they lost Gary Teale who was causing all sorts of problems. After that they still made (and missed) chances, but it was more end to end.

Given we'd lost De Goey, while Pulis hadn't been able to bring in those new faces, and Gifton and Eustace weren't fully fit (although Eustace had a great game today as usual) a point was a good result against a team that crushed both Ipswich and Preston in their last two away games.

Wigan look a very good team all round, especially impressed with De Vos and Breckin at the back - when we were chasing a winner it was fruitless booting long balls up to Ade on his own when he had both of these two on him

Other notes, very pleased for Darrel Russell, getting stuck in now and looking good, more things came off for him today than didn't. Commons couldn't really get in the game when he came on. Agree with trouserdog on everything else.

Didn't catch the gate but heard a few people saying that it looked far higher than what was given. Big, impressive following from Wigan, although very muted throughout and no real noise until they equalised, strange If we were playing as good as that, sitting third in the table and swarming all over the opposition in that manner we'd be having mass conga's and dancing across the front of the away stand...

[Davef]

I'd pretty much agree with that Trousers. Very disappointing not to have won the game having gone ahead and seeing them reduced to ten men, but overall you have to say they were worthy of a point.

Their last three away games have been 3-1 at Ipswich, 4-2 at Preston and 1-1 at Sheffield United, so a draw shouldn't be frowned upon really. The annoying thing from our point of view was the goal we conceded. Once again we failed to deal with a few set pieces, despite flooding our penalty area with players and ultimately paid the price when, despite every Stoke player being back, we left their centre forward completely unmarked in the six yard box. Inexcusable really.

But it only confirms that we do need more experience within our team, especially in defence and midfield. Clarkey has a hamstring injury, Eustace is now struggling with a groin problem as well as his back injury and Gifton clearly isn't fit, so we somehow need to bring in players to help us and make sure our season doesn't fizzle out.

It would be a crying shame if the season ended in a damp squid after the progress we've made recently.

[wardrobe monster]

I agree, wigan looked the most attacking side weve played at home, however when they hadnt scored after 30 mins they resorted to long shots, none of which went close. 2nd half they didnt really come into it until roberts was sent off, and that was only because we let them. When you how much they have spent there isnt any great difference between us. next year we'll be better than them as this is them at their peak, and whilst they'll probably make the play offs, they'll lose.

[wardrobe monster]

Stripey - think your'e being a bit harsh on cutler. He made some great saves, and cant be blamed for the fact the ball was allowed to ping around the area before falling to an unmarked forward.

[BigDick]

Cutler does have a lot of improving to do. Great shot stopper but doesn't command his 6 yard box nevermind his goal area ???
On the way out we were trying to remember when we last had a keeper who caommanded his area, save for Crossley on loan.

No, still can't think of any Smeichel esque Stokie

[mattscf]

I was at the match in the family area and saw both goals. Ade was excellent today and but for Filan would have had a couple. I also thought Cutler had a good game and but for a couple of class saves one on to the crossbar we might not have been in the game.Their goal should have been cleared earlier and Cutler was crowed out for Ellington to creep in at the far post. Wigan I hate to say are a good side there passing to man was quality today but lacked the finishing to capitalise. We were better second half at playing wide and opening up their midfield once Roberts was sent off you knew they had nothing to lose and a goal either way would decide it.
I must admit the standard of refereeing is poor in this division todays was over fussy ,why Russell was booked when he came away with the ball beats me though he got the Roberts sending off right for the kick after the play had left. ;D