Another game, Another average result

In recent years, being a Wigan supporter has become tough and believe it or not this isn’t to do with our constant relegation struggle. What has become increasingly frustrating about the team is simply this, that over the the last year, it has been nigh impossible to predict just which Wigan team will show up on game day. Whether this be the poor side that were humbled 4-0 to Blackpool on the opening day of the season, the average side that scraped a 0-0 draw last weekend or the impressive side that overcame Tottenham 1- 0. Since Roberto Martinez took over as head coach before the 09/10 season, he has yet to record two league wins in a row, which quite frankly is becoming something of nuisance.

What continues to pain me is that the Wigan team from last year that scraped through by a couple of points, is there again for everyone to see (At home matches this doesn’t appear to be too many). The inconsistent results are still apparent, as the Latics seem to still be losing to comparatively poorer sides and getting a few points where we probably shouldn’t. To be honest I liked things better under Steve Bruce where things were generally around the other way, but some credit should be given to Martinez for keeping Wigan in a mostly steady position and forming a cohesive side with a relatively low budget. So how do we cure this hangover from last season?

Well to start with an obvious thing that needs immediate attention is our wildly disproportionate goal tally, where only 2 goals have been scored for (the lowest in the league) and a whopping 13 goals have been conceded (the joint highest). It is difficult to label one particular issue to address as there are a variety of concerns, but lets just start with a lack of depth in fire power.

Although Hugo Rodallega has provided an attacking edge during the time he has been around, it would be nice if he had another striker to rely upon. It must be said that Jason Scotland failed last year (although he appears to have found his scoring shoes on loan), while Mauro Boselli has yet to even come close to lighting up the stage as of yet. The best option appeared to be Franco Di Santo, but after last weekend it is most likely that he will be out for at least a couple of weeks.  Hopefully he will pull through and continue improving.

Hugo needs better support!

Obviously another area that needs to be improved is defence, but I am confident that after our last game where no goals were conceded that this may have at last been addressed. (but don’t quote me on that one!). What is more concerning is that Wigan’s play has become very predictable for opposition sides. It appears that we are far to reliant on the strategy of relying on Charles N’Zogbia’s ability to beat defenders. Don’t get me wrong, the man is very fast and skillful, but after a while it appears that defences have cottoned on to this approach. Something else needs to be employed and other midfielders need to make the step up.

On a minor note what could be improved this week is the crowd attendance at the home game against Wolves. I implore all those Wigan fans who have missed their team’s start to the season to get out there and show some support. Wolves are a strong side and Wigan will need every advantage possible to take all three points. Heres hoping.

Category: Team News